2 Favorites

Brown Estate

Mark as Favorite

Brown Estate recently marked their 25th year of growing grapes and 10th year of making wine. They produce Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay, but have the largest following for their Zinfandel.

Region: Napa Valley
Sub Region: Chiles Valley
Wine: View all wines

In 1981, the Brown Family bought a piece of property in Chiles Valley and began planting Cabernet Sauvignon, Zinfandel, and Chardonnay. They also restored the 100 year old Victorian house that was on the estate.

For the first ten years, the Brown Family only sold their grapes to other wineries. But after seeing the demand increase for their product, they wondered what they could do with the grapes. The first Brown Estate wine was the 1996 Zinfandel.

They currently own 40 acres of vineyards of Zinfandel, Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay. Although they make very good, well-valued Cab and Chardonnay, Zinfandel is their specialty. This grape makes up almost 75% of the Browns’ vineyard acreage. Family patriarch David Brown is the winemaker and also oversees vineyard operations.

The warm days and cool nights of Chiles Valley are favorable for growing Zinfandel and Cabernet Sauvignon. Winds enter the elevated valley in the late afternoon and evening. These daily temperature swings produce ripe grapes with more than enough acidity for balance.


Recent Discussion – Brown Estate

  1. ron mccorkle said:

    this is a great zin.the best i have tasted.it is very rich and velvety.2004 was very good but 2005 is better.

    Posted 883 days ago.

Join the discussion

Sign in to post a comment.

Not a member yet?

Sign up for free! or learn more



Cal Wineries Blog: See what’s new and interesting in California’s wine county. Go to the California Wine Blog

Join the community

If you’re interested in California wine, our community is perfect for you!

Learn more or Sign up for free!

About Calwineries

Ben Bicais Hello, my name is Ben Bicais, and I would like to personally welcome you to Calwineries. Growing up in the Napa Valley... Find out more.

Search the site