One of Napa Valley’s pioneering family-owned estate wineries, Trefethen Family Vineyards, has announced the introduction of Katie’s Acre Chardonnay.
Named after Trefethen co-founder Catherine “Katie” Trefethen, Katie’s Acre refers to a special block of Chardonnay planted around a magnificent old walnut tree.
Katie requested that the beautiful tree not be removed when the family was replanting the estate vineyards in 1968. The tree remains in place to this day, at over one and hundred fifty years old, and with a far-reaching canopy that provides nearly an acre of shade. The largest known living example of a Paradox Walnut, this tree is recognized by the California Big Tree Registry as a “Champion Tree.”
This special part of the family’s estate vineyard is located on an alluvial fan and straddles an old creek bed that has left behind an extraordinary mélange of soil types. Within the 26-acre block, there exists both gravel and fertile loam soil types. The Trefethen vineyard team selected four unique clones of Chardonnay and planted them on the banks of the creek bed in the loamy soil to which they are best suited. This special block features two Dijon clones, a Chardonnay musqué clone, and a California heritage clone called Hens and Chicks, that has become the star of the vineyard.
The 2019 Katie’s Acre Chardonnay will be released in July and completes the Trefethen Legacy Collection – named after the three generations of Trefethens who continue to inspire the estate. Each wine has a unique story, a specific intention and an expressive personality. Along with Katie’s Acre Chardonnay, The Cowgirl & The Pilot Merlot, and HāLo Cabernet Sauvignon, these three distinct wines reflect the very best of Trefethen Family Vineyards. The Katie’s Acre Chardonnay label features the broad leaves and expansive trunk of the Paradox Walnut, playing homage to Katie’s gift to the estate.
Katie’s Acre Chardonnay will be available at the winery, online, and through the wine club. The wine will also be featured in the winery’s “Taste the Estate” wine and food pairings.
Trefethen Family Vineyards is one of Napa’s pioneering wineries. Founded in 1968, Janet and John Trefethen helped define what the Napa Valley is today. More than five decades later, this Napa legend remains family-owned and committed to the craft of producing 100% estate-grown wines. The winery is located at 1160 Oak Knoll Avenue. Tastings are available daily. For more information, visit Trefethen’s official website.
