NAPA VALLEY TOURSFriday, July 11, 2025

Melka Estates

, Napa Valley, California

Explore Melka Estates, a distinguished Napa Valley winery known for its exceptional wines and the craftsmanship of Cherie and Philippe Melka. Learn about their unique terroir and exciting new developments.

Melka Estates winery in Napa Valley

The Visionaries Behind Melka Estates

The Visionaries Behind Melka Estates at Melka Estates

Founded in 1996 by the dynamic husband-and-wife team of Cherie and Philippe Melka, Melka Estates has carved a niche for itself as one of Napa Valley's premier wine producers. Philippe, a graduate of the prestigious University of Bordeaux, brings his extensive winemaking expertise to the estate, while Cherie's keen business acumen complements their shared passion for exceptional wines. Together, they have cultivated a winery that not only celebrates their rich heritage but also embraces the artistry of winemaking, resulting in a diverse portfolio that reflects the essence of each vineyard they source from.

The Melkas are committed to showcasing the unique terroir of Napa Valley, Sonoma, and even Saint-Émilion, where they source grapes from some of the most revered vineyards. Each wine produced under the Melka Estates label is a testament to their meticulous attention to detail and dedication to quality, ensuring that every bottle tells the story of its origin.

With a focus on limited production and small-batch winemaking, Melka Estates emphasizes the individuality of each label. From their flagship Métisse, which beautifully encapsulates the spirit of Napa, to the elegant Montbleau and the enchanting Majestique, every wine offers a unique expression of the land, making them a must-try for any wine enthusiast.

Exciting Developments: The New Cave System

As Melka Estates prepares for the 2024 harvest, the anticipation is palpable with the impending completion of their new cave system. This state-of-the-art facility is designed to enhance the winemaking process, providing optimal conditions for aging and storage. The cave, meticulously crafted into the hillside, will allow for the natural temperature and humidity control essential for producing high-quality wines.

The introduction of the new cave system signifies a commitment to innovation and excellence at Melka Estates. By harnessing the natural geology of Napa Valley, the Melkas aim to create a unique environment that complements their philosophy of minimal intervention winemaking. The cave will not only serve as a functional space for production but also as a venue for intimate tastings and events, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the Melka experience.

With this new development, Melka Estates is poised to further elevate their already distinguished reputation. Wine lovers can expect even more complexity and depth in their future releases, as the cave system will enable the Melkas to experiment and refine their craft, continuing to push the boundaries of what Napa Valley wines can achieve.

A Diverse Portfolio: The Melka Estates Labels

Melka Estates boasts an impressive array of wines, each reflecting the unique characteristics of the vineyards they source from. The flagship Métisse, a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, is celebrated for its structure and elegance, embodying the essence of Napa Valley. The Montbleau, a tribute to the stunning landscape of the region, is known for its rich fruit flavors and velvety texture, making it a favorite among collectors.

For those seeking something truly exceptional, the Majestique label offers a luxurious experience with its opulent flavors and complexity, while Mekerra highlights the vibrant terroir of Sonoma, showcasing the diversity of California's wine regions. The CJ label rounds out the collection, offering a more approachable yet equally delightful option for those new to the Melka experience.

Each label is crafted with a commitment to quality and a passion for showcasing the individuality of the vineyards. This diverse portfolio not only caters to varying palates but also invites wine enthusiasts to explore the rich tapestry of flavors and aromas that define Melka Estates.

Featured Wines

CJ Cabernet Sauvignon (2018

2018

red

Mekerra Chardonnay (price not specified)[3

2025

white

Mekerra Merlot (price not specified)[3

2025

red

Mekerra Red Blend (price not specified)[3

2025

Mekerra White Blend (price not specified)[3

2025

Frequently Asked Questions

🍷 Our Wines

QWhat types of wines does Melka Estates produce?

Melka Estates produces a diverse range of wines, including their flagship Métisse, Montbleau, Majestique, Mekerra, and CJ, each highlighting unique vineyard characteristics.

❓ Technical

QWhen will the new cave system be completed?

The new cave system at Melka Estates is expected to be ready for the 2024 harvest, enhancing their winemaking capabilities.

🏛️ Planning Your Visit

QCan visitors tour Melka Estates?

Yes, Melka Estates offers tours and tastings, providing visitors with an opportunity to experience their wines and learn about the winemaking process.

❓ Purchasing

QHow can I purchase Melka Estates wines?

You can purchase Melka Estates wines directly from their website or through select retailers and wine clubs that feature their products.

📚 History & Heritage

QWhat is the history of Melka Estates?

Melka Estates was established in 1996 by Cherie and Philippe Melka, who aimed to create exceptional wines that showcase the unique terroirs of Napa Valley and beyond.

Other Exceptional Wineries

Abreu Vineyards

Prestigious Napa Valley winery specializing in premium wines and exceptional terroir expression.

5
premium
Premium WinesNapa Valley Terroir

Screaming Eagle

Ultra-exclusive cult winery producing some of the world's most sought-after and expensive Cabernet Sauvignon.

5
luxury
Cabernet SauvignonCult WineUltra Premium

Bale Grist Mill State Historic Park

Prestigious Napa Valley winery specializing in premium wines and exceptional terroir expression.

4.7
premium
Premium WinesNapa Valley Terroir

Silver Oak Cellars

Cabernet Sauvignon specialist known for exclusively American oak aging and exceptional longevity.

4.6
premium
Cabernet Sauvignon OnlyAmerican OakConsistent Style

Anaba Wines

Prestigious Napa Valley winery specializing in premium wines and exceptional terroir expression.

4.6
premium
Premium WinesNapa Valley Terroir

Opus One Winery

Prestigious collaboration between Robert Mondavi and Baron Philippe de Rothschild, producing world-class Bordeaux-style blends.

4.6
luxury
Bordeaux BlendsCabernet SauvignonMerlot

Find Melka Estates

Melka Estates offers an exceptional wine experience in California's wine country.

Loading Napa Valley Map...
Initializing Google Maps
🍷 1 wineries shown
🗺️
Napa Valley Wineries Map
Click to load interactive map with 400+ wineries
Load Map

Visit Melka Estates

Contact Information

📍Not explicitly provided in the sources
, CA

📞Not explicitly provided in the sources

🌐Visit Website

Quick Facts

💰luxury