The Vines of St. Helena: The Vice

Originally published in the St. Helena Star |

1. When was your winery founded?

“Our first vintage was 2013.”

2. Why did you choose to be in the St. Helena American Viticultural Area (AVA)?

“It is the heart of Napa Valley and centrally located. We make wines from 15 sub-AVAs of Napa and being headquartered in St. Helena makes easier for us to be everywhere in the Valley.”

3. Who is owner? Who is winemaker? Who is vineyard manager?

“Torie and Malek Amrani are the owners and Malek is the winemaker.”

4. How many acres do you farm in the St. Helena American Viticultural Area (AVA)?

“Three acres.”

5. Do you farm sustainably/organically/biodynamically?

“Yes.”

6. Wineries today try to differentiate the visitor experience. What’s unique about visiting your winery/tasting room?

“Our estate offers private, personable and customizable experiences by the owners themselves.”

7. What might surprise people to learn about you/your winery/your operation?

“We craft 18 different varietals (including 5 orange wines) from 15 sub-regions of Napa Valley.”

8. What is special about the St. Helena AVA in your opinion? Is it misunderstood? What do you wish visitors knew about it which perhaps they don’t?

“It is a very special AVA and yes, it is misunderstood. I wish visitors knew that it is the historic heart of Napa Valley with many wineries being established in the 19th century.”

9. What’s your favorite place in St. Helena to eat, drink or relax?

“Charlie’s.”

(This is part of a series of Q&A articles highlighting winemakers and grape growers in the St. Helena Appellation. This piece was submitted by Torie Greenberg Amrani of The Vice.)