Relic Wine Cellars: Where History, Art, and Intentional Winemaking Meet

A Different Kind of Napa Experience

Some wineries draw you in with intention, not flash. Relic Wine Cellars is one of those places. Nestled in the hills with sweeping views and a laid-back vibe, it feels far from the crowded tasting rooms often found in the Napa Valley and much more personal. With a focus on site-driven wines and a minimalist approach, Relic lets the vineyard speak, offering a tasting experience that’s grounded and memorable.

Relic is a short 15-minute drive from downtown Napa with a tasting room hidden away inside a cave built from solid rock after an 18-month excavation. It’s an intimate and loungy space, with leather couches and a record player spinning Tom Petty and Aretha Franklin to set the mood among the wine barrels.

Wines With Intention

Relic is the passion project of winemaker Michael Herby and his wife, Shotzi Throckmorton. Together, they produce just 2,500 cases a year, often in tiny lots of 150 cases or fewer. This small scale gives them the freedom to experiment and stay focused on what matters most: crafting wines that reflect a true sense of place, require minimal intervention, and offer a harmonious balance of aromatics and flavor.

Their portfolio is a study in craftsmanship. You'll find small-lot bottlings of Bordeaux and Rhône varietals alongside a beautifully expressive Chardonnay from the Dutton Ranch on the Sonoma Coast and Pinot Noir from the ocean-cooled Fort Ross-Seaview AVA, known for its aromatic intensity and Burgundian finesse. The Ritual blend highlights old-vine, dry-farmed Carignan and Petite Sirah, rounded out by Syrah, Grenache, and Charbono. And their benchmark Cabernet Sauvignon, grown in volcanic, rocky soils, is a vibrant, balanced expression of Napa cab—structured yet elegant.

Where Craft Meets Cause

And then there’s the art. Each label is designed by Michael McDermott, with gold-foiled detail inspired by ancient relics and sacred texts. No two are the same. The philosophy: the closer you look, the more there is to discover.

Relic has been a longtime supporter of Cabernet for Connoisseurs, an annual wine event benefiting Family House. In addition to pouring their wines at the fundraiser, they also donate time, energy, and experiences to support a cause close to their hearts.

Whether you're heading to the Cabernet for Connoisseurs event or just looking for a winery that blends mastery with authenticity, Relic is worth discovering. Tasting is by appointment only, so plan ahead. It’s an unforgettable experience.

Reserve a tasting by contacting Relic Wine Cellars at 707-967-9380. The winery is located at 2400 Soda Canyon Rd, just 15 minutes from downtown Napa and Yountville.

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