Established in 1982, Etude was founded on the philosophy that winemaking begins in the vineyard, long before harvest, and that superior grape growing allows our winemakers to craft wines of exceptional varietal expression and finesse. This ethos remains unwavering as the winery continues to build upon its established legacy of exemplary Pinot Noir. The integration of this tenet allows for the continual cultivation of the highest-quality wines, reflective of the profound influences of the land and the seasons, as well as the hand of its stewards.
Etude, which in French means “study,” specializes in a selection of aromatic whites and classical red varietals, such as Chardonnay, Pinot Gris, Pinot Blanc, Pinot Noir and Cabernet Sauvignon. Though modeled after the best in Burgundy, Bordeaux and Alsace, these wines clearly speak to their New World origins, offering rich, concentrated fruit with elegant structure and an opulent mouthfeel for the reds, and lifted, delicate fruit with vibrant acidity and freshness for the whites.
Our Estate Pinot Noirs, including a highly esteemed bottling made from rare heirloom selections and two single-vineyard offerings, are vinified from grapes grown on the Etude estate vineyards at Grace Benoist Ranch, nestled in the cool Carneros region. Other wines derived from our estate vineyards at Grace Benoist Ranch include our white wine selections of Chardonnay, Pinot Blanc and Pinot Gris. The fruit for our Cabernet Sauvignon is sourced from superlative terroirs within the districts of Oakville, Rutherford and Coombsville, as part of the greater Napa Valley landscape.