Ashes & Diamonds Winery

The vision behind Ashes & Diamonds extended beyond simply producing exceptional wines. Khaledi sought to create an immersive experience that transported visitors back to a time when Napa Valley was still relatively undiscovered, a place where winemaking was a craft practiced with meticulous care and a deep understanding of the land. He assembled a team of talented individuals who shared his passion for this vision, including renowned winemaker Steve Matthiasson, whose expertise in sustainable and light-handed winemaking proved crucial to realizing the winery's goals. The winery’s commitment to this era is also visible in the mid-century modern architecture, designed by Barbara Bestor, which echoes the clean lines and optimistic spirit of the 1960s. This architectural style provides a visually stunning backdrop for the wines, creating a holistic experience that engages all the senses and reinforces the winery's commitment to a specific time and place in Napa's history. This commitment to quality is also evident in the winery's hospitality.

The legacy of Ashes & Diamonds is being built upon a foundation of authenticity and respect. The founders recognized that Napa Valley's unique character lies not only in its exceptional terroir but also in its history of pioneering winemakers who paved the way for the region's global recognition. By embracing the lighter, more elegant style of wines favored in the 1960s, Ashes & Diamonds seeks to reconnect with this heritage and offer a fresh perspective on Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon and other classic varietals. It’s a conscious decision to avoid the overly extracted and heavily oaked styles that became popular in later decades, opting instead for wines that showcase the purity of fruit and the nuances of the vineyard. This approach allows the wines to speak for themselves, revealing the true character of the Oakville AVA and reflecting the care and dedication that go into every bottle. This commitment to heritage is not just a marketing strategy, but a genuine reflection of the winery's values and its desire to contribute to the ongoing story of Napa Valley.

Ashes & Diamonds Winery stands as a striking tribute to the Napa Valley of the 1960s, an era characterized by elegance, simplicity, and a deep respect for the land. Founded by Kashy Khaledi, the winery isn't just a business venture; it's a personal passion project, a love letter to a bygone era of winemaking. Khaledi, a film and music industry veteran, envisioned a space where the essence of classic Napa wines could be rediscovered and celebrated. He sought to recreate the feeling of understated luxury and authentic connection to terroir that he felt had been somewhat overshadowed by the more opulent and commercial approach that had become prevalent in later years. The winery's name itself is a nod to both the past and the future, a poetic juxtaposition that reflects the dual nature of its mission: honoring tradition while embracing innovation. This commitment is evident in every aspect of Ashes & Diamonds, from its architecture to its winemaking philosophy.

The climate in Oakville plays a significant role in shaping the character of Ashes & Diamonds' wines. Warm, sunny days are followed by cool, marine-influenced evenings, creating a diurnal temperature variation that is essential for proper grape ripening. This fluctuation in temperature allows the grapes to develop complex flavors and aromas while maintaining balanced acidity. The cooling effect of the nearby San Pablo Bay helps to prevent excessive heat stress during the growing season, ensuring that the grapes retain their freshness and vibrancy. Ashes & Diamonds embraces sustainable farming practices, recognizing the importance of preserving the health and vitality of the land for future generations. These practices include minimizing the use of pesticides and herbicides, promoting biodiversity in the vineyards, and employing water-conservation techniques. The winery's commitment to sustainability is not just a trend; it's a core value that is deeply embedded in its philosophy and operations. This dedication to the environment is evident in every aspect of the winery.

Ashes & Diamonds is committed to meticulous vineyard management. They understand that the quality of the wine begins in the vineyard. This includes careful canopy management to ensure optimal sunlight exposure and airflow, as well as precise irrigation practices to maintain vine health and prevent water stress. The vineyard team works closely with the winemaking team to determine the ideal harvest time, ensuring that the grapes are picked at their peak of ripeness and flavor development. The winery also utilizes cover crops to improve soil health and prevent erosion, further enhancing the sustainability of its farming practices. Their focus is on creating a thriving ecosystem within the vineyards, promoting biodiversity and fostering a healthy environment for the vines to flourish. This holistic approach to vineyard management is a testament to Ashes & Diamonds' dedication to producing wines that are both expressive of the terroir and respectful of the environment. Their approach to farming truly reflects the winery's philosophy.

Located in the heart of the Oakville AVA, Ashes & Diamonds benefits from a prime location known for its exceptional Cabernet Sauvignon. Oakville's unique terroir, characterized by its diverse soil profiles and moderate climate, provides the ideal conditions for producing world-class wines. The soils in this region are primarily alluvial, composed of gravelly loam and well-draining sedimentary deposits, which contribute to the concentration and complexity of the grapes. This combination of soil types allows for optimal water drainage, encouraging the vines to send their roots deep into the earth in search of nutrients, resulting in grapes with concentrated flavors and aromas. The winery carefully selects its vineyard sites, understanding that the terroir is the foundation upon which all great wines are built. The focus on minimal intervention in the vineyard allows the land to express itself authentically in the finished wines, a crucial element in Ashes & Diamonds' winemaking philosophy. This careful stewardship of the land is a fundamental aspect of Ashes & Diamonds’ commitment to sustainability.

Ashes & Diamonds has swiftly garnered recognition for its distinctive range of wines, each reflecting the winery's dedication to light-handed winemaking and transparency of terroir. Their flagship Cabernet Sauvignon, sourced from select vineyards within the Oakville AVA, showcases the classic elegance and structure that this region is renowned for. The wines are crafted with minimal intervention, allowing the natural flavors and aromas of the grapes to shine through. The absence of heavy oak influence allows the fruit to take center stage, revealing the nuanced character of the Oakville terroir. In addition to Cabernet Sauvignon, Ashes & Diamonds also produces a range of other varietals, including Sauvignon Blanc, Cabernet Franc, and Merlot, each crafted with the same meticulous attention to detail. These wines offer a diverse representation of Napa Valley's potential, showcasing the versatility of the region's terroir and the artistry of the winemaking team. Their approach is designed to emphasize the wine's natural qualities.

The winemaking philosophy at Ashes & Diamonds revolves around the principle of minimal intervention. Steve Matthiasson, the consulting winemaker, brings his extensive experience in organic and biodynamic farming to the winery, guiding the team in crafting wines that are both expressive and sustainable. The grapes are carefully hand-sorted to ensure that only the highest quality fruit is used. Fermentation is often carried out using native yeasts, which contributes to the complexity and character of the wines. The use of new oak is kept to a minimum, allowing the fruit to remain the focal point. The goal is to create wines that are balanced, elegant, and reflective of their origins. This philosophy extends to every aspect of the winemaking process, from vineyard management to bottling. The winery's dedication to this approach is evident in the purity and vibrancy of its wines. The wine making process is intended to highlight the fruit's natural qualities, and the terroir in the wine.

Ashes & Diamonds embraces a modern approach to winemaking while staying true to the traditions of the past. The winery utilizes state-of-the-art equipment to ensure precision and efficiency, but never at the expense of quality. The focus is on creating wines that are both approachable and age-worthy, wines that can be enjoyed upon release but also have the potential to evolve and develop over time. The team continuously experiments with new techniques and technologies, always seeking to improve the quality and sustainability of their wines. The winery's commitment to innovation is balanced by a deep respect for the land and a recognition of the importance of preserving the legacy of Napa Valley winemaking. The result is a portfolio of wines that are both contemporary and timeless, wines that capture the essence of Napa Valley while pushing the boundaries of winemaking excellence. This is why the wines have developed such a fan base with the consumers who have visited the winery. They truly enjoy the wine that this winery produces.

Ashes & Diamonds offers a variety of tasting experiences to suit different preferences. From classic tastings showcasing the winery's core range of wines to more in-depth explorations of single-vineyard bottlings and library vintages, there's something for every wine lover. Guests can choose to enjoy their tasting indoors, in the stylishly appointed tasting room, or outdoors, on the spacious patio overlooking the vineyards. The winery also offers private tours, providing a behind-the-scenes look at the winemaking process and a deeper understanding of the winery's operations. These tours are led by knowledgeable members of the winemaking team, offering guests a unique opportunity to learn directly from the experts. Whether you're a seasoned wine connoisseur or a curious novice, Ashes & Diamonds provides a welcoming and informative environment for exploring the world of Napa Valley wine. The tastings are sure to please wine drinkers of all experience levels.

The hospitality at Ashes & Diamonds is characterized by its warmth, professionalism, and attention to detail. The staff is dedicated to providing each guest with a personalized and memorable experience, catering to individual needs and preferences. From arranging transportation to offering recommendations for local restaurants and accommodations, the team goes above and beyond to ensure that visitors feel welcome and taken care of. The winery also hosts a variety of events throughout the year, including wine dinners, live music performances, and art exhibitions, further enhancing the visitor experience. These events provide opportunities to connect with other wine lovers and experience the vibrant culture of Napa Valley. Ashes & Diamonds strives to create a community around its wines, fostering a sense of belonging and shared appreciation for the art of winemaking. The level of service provided to all guests truly sets this winery apart and makes it a premiere destination in Napa Valley.

A visit to Ashes & Diamonds is more than just a wine tasting; it's an immersive experience that engages all the senses. The winery's mid-century modern architecture, designed by Barbara Bestor, provides a visually stunning backdrop for the wines, creating a sense of understated elegance and sophistication. The tasting room is designed to be both inviting and informative, offering guests the opportunity to learn about the winery's history, philosophy, and winemaking practices. Knowledgeable and attentive staff guide visitors through a curated selection of wines, providing insights into the nuances of each varietal and vintage. The pairings provided with the wines elevate the tasting room experience by offering items like herbed tahini and crispy quinoa, or tender chicken with chickpeas and chorizo. The goal is to create a memorable and educational experience that leaves guests with a deeper appreciation for Napa Valley wine. The architectural experience combined with the wine tasting experience leaves a lasting impression.

Innovation is at the heart of Ashes & Diamonds' vision for the future. The winery is constantly exploring new techniques and technologies to improve the quality and sustainability of its wines. From experimenting with different grape varietals to implementing cutting-edge irrigation systems, Ashes & Diamonds is committed to pushing the boundaries of winemaking excellence. The winery also embraces new approaches to marketing and communication, utilizing social media and digital platforms to connect with wine lovers around the world. Ashes & Diamonds seeks to be a leader in the wine industry, inspiring others to embrace innovation and sustainability. The winery recognizes the importance of adapting to changing consumer preferences and market trends, while remaining true to its core values and principles. Their commitment to innovation is rooted in a deep understanding of the science and art of winemaking.

Ashes & Diamonds is committed to building a lasting legacy, not only as a producer of exceptional wines but also as a steward of the land and a champion of sustainable practices. The winery recognizes that its success is inextricably linked to the health and vitality of the Napa Valley ecosystem, and it is dedicated to preserving this precious resource for future generations. This commitment is reflected in its sustainable farming practices, its minimal-intervention winemaking philosophy, and its dedication to community engagement. The winery actively supports local organizations and initiatives that promote environmental stewardship, education, and cultural preservation. Ashes & Diamonds aims to be a positive force in the Napa Valley community, contributing to its long-term sustainability and prosperity. The winery focuses on building relationships with the local community and showcasing the best of what Napa Valley has to offer. It is more than just a winery, it is a destination.

The vision for Ashes & Diamonds is to continue crafting exceptional wines that reflect the unique terroir of Napa Valley, while remaining true to the winery's commitment to sustainability and innovation. The goal is to become a world-renowned producer of fine wines, recognized for its quality, elegance, and authenticity. Ashes & Diamonds also seeks to be a destination for wine lovers from around the globe, offering an immersive and educational experience that celebrates the art of winemaking and the beauty of Napa Valley. The winery aims to create a lasting legacy, building a brand that is respected and admired for its commitment to excellence, sustainability, and community engagement. Ashes & Diamonds envisions a future where Napa Valley remains a vibrant and thriving wine region, and it is dedicated to playing a role in ensuring that this vision becomes a reality. They envision a future of sustainable wines and practices, and aim to continue to be a leader in that space for the Napa Valley region. Their legacy is already being built, and is set to last for a long time.