Priest Ranch

Priest Ranch was established in Napa Valley in 1869 by Gold Rush prospector James Joshua Priest. In 1891, Priest planted ten acres of wine grapes, specifically Zinfandel and Chasselas. In 2004, Priest Ranch was united with the adjacent Elder Valley properties to create Somerston Estate. Craig Becker is a co-founder and founding winemaker, who crafted the first modern vintage of Priest Ranch Cabernet Sauvignon in 2007. Cody Hurd is the director of winemaking.

The estate is located on the eastern hill of the Vaca Mountains above St. Helena in Napa Valley. Vineyard elevation ranges from 850 to 1,615 feet above sea level, with 230 acres of producing vineyards in 15 distinct sites. Varietals grown are Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Zinfandel, Malbec, Merlot, Primitivo, Petite Sirah, Petit Verdot, Syrah, Grenache Blanc, Sauvignon Blanc, Grenache, and Viognier. Grapes are blended from multiple blocks across the estate, and its wines include Cabernet Sauvignon and Petite Sirah.