Cultivated Over Time: The Story of John Anthony Vineyards

A Twist of Fate  

The story of John Anthony Vineyards began long before the first vintage, shaped by an unexpected moment that would ultimately root a family in Napa Valley and set a legacy in motion. In 1972, as Tony Truchard prepared for military deployment overseas, his wife, JoAnn Truchard—9 months pregnant with John Anthony Truchard—slipped on a grape and broke her leg. What may have seemed like an ordinary accident instead altered the course of the family’s future, leading to their relocation to California—a twist of fate that would shape John’s future in Napa Valley. 

Learning the Land 

In the 1980s, the Truchard family established their vineyards in Napa Valley, putting down roots at a pivotal moment as the region was just beginning to earn its place among the world’s great winegrowing regions. From an early age, John was immersed in vineyard life, learning about grape growing firsthand through experience in the field. His journey was shaped not only by a family tradition of farming, but also by mentorship from pioneering vintners during this formative period in Napa Valley’s rise. Working alongside his father and some of the region’s most respected growers, he developed a deep appreciation for the dedication and precision required to cultivate exceptional grapes. 

Building a Foundation 

As his experience in the vineyard and cellar grew, John began to recognize that the most successful wineries were not defined by craftsmanship alone, but by a deep understanding of the business behind it. At UC Davis, John studied economics, developing a framework for how to successfully bring wine to the market. During this time, his long-term vision became clear. He would start a vineyard management company, use its profits to lease exceptional vineyard sites, and ultimately craft wine from grapes he both leased and farmed. It was a plan built on patience, independence, and a clear commitment to quality—from soil to bottle.  

Farming First 

In the late 1990s, John’s plan began to take shape. He started farming for other vintners, working nights and weekends while learning from established leaders in the Napa Valley’s vineyard management community. In 1996, he leased his first vineyard, Crane Vineyard in the Oak Knoll District, planting a few blocks of Merlot and Syrah. In 1997, John founded FARM Napa Valley vineyard management, seeking out small, distinctive parcels across Napa Valley. His approach centered on understanding each site’s unique character and farming with intention, laying the groundwork for wines of depth and distinction.  

 

The First Vintage

In 2001, John planted Cabernet Sauvignon in the Oak Knoll District of Napa Valley, marking a pivotal step toward producing his first wine under the John Anthony Vineyards label. In 2003, he founded the brand on three guiding principles: a deep respect for heritage, precision winegrowing, and meticulous winemaking. From the beginning, the focus has been on crafting wines that reflect the diversity of Napa Valley’s terroir through thoughtful, site-driven viticulture. That same year, the first crush took place—874 cases of Cabernet Sauvignon and 132 cases of Syrah—small in scale, yet marking an important milestone for John Anthony Vineyards.  

During this period, John expanded the portfolio by leasing additional vineyard sites. In 2003, he leased Church Vineyard, whose first harvest in 2005 produced 1,344 cases of Sauvignon Blanc. He also leased other sites dedicated to Chardonnay, further establishing the foundation of the vineyard program. In 2006, John released the inaugural John Anthony Vineyards vintage, earning 92-point scores for both wines from Wine Spectator—the 2003 Napa Valley Syrah and 2003 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon—marking an early recognition of commitment to quality and craftsmanship. 

An Invitation to Experience 

In 2010, John Anthony Vineyards opened a tasting lounge in the heart of downtown Napa, an elegant space that offers a refined wine experience where guests are invited to explore Napa Valley’s world-class terroir through curated tastings sourced from across multiple Napa Valley American Viticultural Areas. 

Today, John Anthony Vineyards produces limited-production wines sourced from estate vineyards across Napa Valley’s diverse AVAs. The portfolio includes Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon and Sauvignon Blanc, single-vineyard expressions of Syrah, Chardonnay, and Merlot varietals, sparkling wines, Reserve wines, and exceptional library vintages. 

Twenty Years and Beyond 

In 2023, John Anthony Vineyards reached its 20-year milestone, marking two decades of dedication to the vineyard and craft of winemaking. What began as a vision has evolved into a portfolio shaped by patience, precision, and a deep connection to Napa Valley. 

Looking ahead, a commemorative bottling of our 20th anniversary, the 2023 John Anthony Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon, will be released in the fall of 2026, honoring two decades of John Anthony Vineyards. Moments of celebration along the way offer an opportunity to reflect on that journey. 

In Napa Valley, legacy is cultivated over time, shaped by each harvest and carried forward one vintage at a time—an enduring philosophy that continues to define John Anthony Vineyards. 

Introducing the 2026 John Anthony Vineyards Spring Release

The 2026 John Anthony Vineyards Spring Release showcases a dynamic collection of limited production wines that capture the vibrancy of the season and the district character of our Napa Valley estates. From the wind-swept vineyards of Los Carneros to our meticulously farmed vineyards in the Oak Knoll District and Coombsville, each wine reflects our commitment to heritage, meticulous winemaking, and precision winegrowing. We invite you to explore the collection and secure your favorites. 

Expressive Whites from Los Carneros 

The release begins with three expressive white wines shaped by the cool climate of Los Carneros. The 2025 Napa Valley Sauvignon Blanc captures the bright energy of the region, while the 2025 Church Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc, crafted from Musqué clone fruit and fermented in barrel, offers a richer and more textured expression from this distinctive vineyard site. Completing the trio is the 2024 Reserve Chardonnay from Carneros Gap Vineyard, selected from the finest barrels of the vintage and crafted to highlight both elegance and depth. Together, these wines reflect the freshness and balance that define our southern Napa Valley vineyards. 

Cellar Worthy Single Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon 

The 2022 single-vineyard Cabernet Sauvignons highlight the individuality of four Napa Valley estate vineyards. The Coombsville Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon reflects the volcanic soils and cooler conditions of this eastern district, while the Epps, GnR, and R&D Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignons showcase the diversity of the Oak Knoll District. Each site contributes its own character to the wines, demonstrating how vineyard location, farming, and careful cellar work shape the structure and personality of Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon. 

Reserve Syrah 

The release concludes with the 2021 Reserve Syrah, crafted from the finest barrels of the vintage. Powerful yet refined, this wine represents our continued exploration of Rhône varietals in Napa Valley and reflects the depth, structure, and age-worthy potential of the vintage. Awarded 92 points by James Suckling, it stands as a bold and compelling finish to the collection. 

The John Anthony team is exceptionally proud to present these wines and invites inquiries and tasting reservations at our downtown Napa Tasting Lounge. 

Discovering Oak Knoll District through Five Distinct Vineyards

At John Anthony Vineyards, the Oak Knoll District holds a special place in both our story and our cellar. Located just north of downtown Napa Valley, this cool-climate AVA is shaped by abundant valley-floor sunshine, daily fog from San Pablo Bay, and tempering southern breezes. The result is a long, steady growing season that allows grapes to ripen slowly, preserving acidity while building depth and complexity.

Oak Knoll’s diverse soils bring distinct character to each vineyard and varietal. Across our five vineyards—Twisted Oak, Crane, Epps, GnR, and R&D—these subtle differences in soil, exposure, and elevation translate into Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Syrah that are refined, expressive, and unmistakably rooted in place.

Twisted Oak Vineyard

Perched upon a steep hillside at the foothills of Mount Veeder, Twisted Oak is truly unique within our Oak Knoll District portfolio due to its higher elevation and varied vine orientations. The interplay of soil drainage from gravelly soil, sun exposure, and shade fosters an unparalleled intensity of flavor in the fruit harvested from this plot. Twisted Oak Vineyard consistently yields high-quality fruit and is frequently a contender for inclusion in the prestigious John Anthony Reserve program and best-of-all-barrels selection, The ONE. Sourced from this block is the single-vineyard-designated John Anthony Vineyards Twisted Oak Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon.

Crane Vineyard

Crane Vineyard holds deep significance in the John Anthony Vineyards portfolio as it was the first vineyard John leased and planted for the John Anthony portfolio. The four-acre estate, located in the foothills of Mount Veeder, was planted to Merlot in 1996, with Syrah vines added a few years later. Here, a small alluvial fan creates gravelly soils and a smooth, rolling terrain, ideal for producing elegant and understated red wines. Sourced from this estate includes single-vineyard designate John Anthony Vineyards Crane Vineyard Merlot and Crane Vineyard Syrah, as well as the Reserve Merlot and occasionally the Reserve Syrah.

R&D Vineyard

Nearly two decades ago, John encountered this family estate in its early, underdeveloped state and planted it exclusively with Cabernet Sauvignon. Situated on the valley floor with predominantly north-south rows, R&D benefits from ample exposure to the full summer sun. Over time, the vines have matured beautifully, earning their esteemed vineyard-designate status, producing the John Anthony R&D Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon.

GnR Vineyard

GnR Vineyard is a 2.5-acre microsite on the valley floor distinguished by its east-west vineyard orientation and gravelly alluvial soils. GnR Vineyard is meticulously barrel-selected for the single-vineyard-designate GnR Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon, ensuring only the most expressive lots represent the site. GnR wines impart robustness and beautiful tannin structure that drink beautifully upon release and for many years after.

Epps Vineyard

Epps Vineyard is the smallest of the Oak Knoll District estates, just under 2 acres, and only produces about four barrels of wine. Divided into four north-south-oriented blocks, Epps is bathed in ample sunlight, providing an exceptional ripening environment for the single-vineyard-designate John Anthony Vineyards Epps Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon.

Each of our five Oak Knoll District sites tells its own story, shaped by subtle variations in soil, exposure, and vine orientation. Together, they showcase the versatility that characterizes Napa Valley and Oak Knoll District—producing elegant and understated wine grounded in a strong sense of place.

Visit the John Anthony Tasting Lounge in Downtown Napa to taste the intricacies of Oak Knoll District side by side, or acquire them directly here.

Two Vineyards, Two Distinct Expressions of Syrah

At John Anthony Vineyards, Syrah is a powerful storyteller, highlighting how distinct vineyard sites shape structure, flavor, and balance. Two single-vineyard Syrahs—sourced from Crane Vineyard in the Oak Knoll District and Carneros Gap Vineyard in Los Carneros—offer a compelling exploration of place. 

Crane Vineyard Syrah 

Oak Knoll District of Napa Valley 

Spanning 4 acres in the foothills of Mount Veeder, Crane Vineyard holds special significance as the first vineyard leased and planted by John. Established with Merlot in 1996, the vineyard expanded with Syrah vines in 1999, a natural evolution shaped by the site’s cool temperatures and persistent coastal fog. Located in the western reaches of the Oak Knoll District, Crane Vineyard sits on a gravelly alluvial fan where soils and gentle contours favor elegance and balance. Daily fog from the Bay moderates temperatures, extending hang time and preserving freshness—hallmarks of red wines from this AVA. Fruit from this site defines the John Anthony Crane Vineyard Syrah, an expressive wine which the 2021 vintage recently earned 95 points from Lisa Perrotti Brown at the Wine Palate. 

Carneros Gap Vineyard Syrah 

Los Carneros AVA 

Perched in the rolling hills of Los Carneros, Carneros Gap Vineyard occupies a distinctive position directly influenced by the wind and fog from San Pablo Bay, allowing the berries to ripen slowly while developing deep concentration and vibrant acidity. This pristine 5-acre block was planted in 1996, and its now mature vines are marked by small berries that impart structure and yield bold, opulent wines brimming with intense black fruit flavors and exceptional aging potential. Sourced from this site is the John Anthony Carneros Gap Vineyard Syrah, the 2021 vintage earning 94 points by Lisa Perrotti Brown at the Wine Palate.  

Together, these two Syrahs illustrate the remarkable versatility of terroir in Napa Valley. From the refined elegance and savory nuance of Crane Vineyard Syrah to the bold, wind-shaped intensity of Carneros Gap Vineyard Syrah, each wine offers a distinct expression of site while sharing a common commitment to balance, structure, and age-worthiness. Both sites are often contenders for inclusion in the prestigious John Anthony Reserve Syrah Program. 

Discover Syrah by John Anthony Vineyards at the John Anthony Tasting Lounge in downtown Napa. 

 

Celebrating a Decade of La Dame Michele Sparkling

La Dame Michele began, as so many enduring wine stories do, at the intersection of heritage and intuition. In 2015, Michele Truchard, wife of John Anthony Truchard, imagined a sparkling program grounded in tradition yet distinctly vibrant. Her inspiration came from a lifelong love of traditional Old World sparkling wines shaped by patience, precision, and the quiet confidence of the méthode traditionnelle. She set out to create something timeless for John Anthony Vineyards—sparkling wines with structure and celebratory grace.

The program’s first expression was La Dame Michele Blanc de Noirs. Crafted in the traditional method, it honored the classical disciplines Michele admired while remaining unmistakably Napa in character: generous yet poised, luminous, and beautifully layered. From the earliest planning sessions to the finished bottle, Michele led every facet of the project from design and winemaking to production and sales.

As the first vintage found its audience, Michele felt the pull of possibility. Sparkling wine, after all, can be more than a single expression, a spectrum shaped by variety, blending philosophy, and the slow alchemy of aging en tirage. The Blanc de Noir was followed by a Blanc de Mélange—an artful blend of Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Pinot Meunier. With backbone and body, supple fruit, and a fragrant delicacy, it is a wine that ages beautifully over time. The portfolio continued to expand with a Blanc de Blanc, a brighter, more linear expression of the house style, 100% Chardonnay with refined minerality, lift, and a silky effervescence.

 “Sparkling wine teaches you to listen,” Michele describes. “Every step felt like discovering a new language. Building the blend, waiting through tirage, learning how patience shapes texture and nuance. I love the discipline of it, but also the delight. Seeing La Dame grow from one bottle to a portfolio of distinct expressions has been one of my proudest joys.”

A decade later, Michele’s vision has flowered into a collection both cohesive and wonderfully diverse. These are sparkling wines made for collectors who understand that celebration isn’t a moment but a way of living. Today, La Dame Michele has expanded into a line of vintage bottlings, now offering four exquisite ways to celebrate in style:

La Dame Michele Blanc de Blanc: The signature expression of John Anthony Sparkling: refined, Chardonnay-driven, balancing brightness with depth. It makes quiet evenings feel intentional and grand gatherings effortless.

2017 La Dame Michele Single Vineyard Blanc de Blanc: The first single-vineyard edition, aged five years en tirage. Extended lees aging brings layers of toasted brioche, hazelnut, and stone fruit, wrapped in a fine, persistent mousse—serious, resonant, cellar-worthy.

2018 La Dame Michele Blanc de Blanc: Newly released and aged four years en tirage, this single-vineyard edition is radiant and precise. Golden apple, pear skin, lemon curd, and a polished mineral line that carries through to a silky finish.

La Dame Michele Sparkling Rosé: The inaugural sparkling Rosé, newly released—an elegant blend of Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier. Wild strawberry, rose petal, and a whisper of spice glide into a crisp, romantic close.

Whether you’re opening one to mark a milestone or simply to elevate a Tuesday, La Dame Michele invites you to celebrate with intention, and in unmistakable John Anthony style. We welcome you to join us for a glass of La Dame Michele at our tasting lounge in downtown Napa.

Happy Holidays from Michele and John Anthony Truchard.

Rooted in Gratitude

November invites reflection, a season to slow down and give thanks. At John Anthony Vineyards, gratitude runs deep: to the land we steward, the craft we refine, the team that brings it to life, and the community that continues to share in our story.

Terroir First

Our appreciation begins with the land. From Napa Valley’s Calistoga AVA to the north and The Oak Knoll District of Napa Valley to the west, Coombsville to the east, and Carneros to the south, John Anthony’s estates are hidden-gem, small-lot, hand-farmed sites that define us. Each vineyard is farmed intentionally with precision and respect, a reflection of our enduring philosophy that exceptional wines begin in the field.

Respect for Craft

Winemaking at John Anthony Vineyards is rooted in a commitment to crafting wines that embody the character of Napa Valley. We are profoundly thankful for the people whose passion for perfection shapes every bottle. From our vineyard team at FARM Napa Valley, led by Sander Scheer and Jack Emerson, to our winemakers, Jeff Kandarian and Michael Abernathy—their decade-long partnership with John, the land, and each other is one of our most important ingredients.

Honoring Heritage and Hospitality

Growing up farming his parents' vineyards and helping their winery business instilled in John a deep respect for the pioneering spirit that founded Napa Valley. Napa Valley is a world-class wine region only because of the pursuit of perfection by those founding vintners. Today, we preserve that legacy through exceptional wines and hospitality. Our gratitude extends to our wine education team, whose warmth and professionalism bring the John Anthony experience to life each day. Whether welcoming guests to the downtown Napa John Anthony Tasting Lounge or curating custom experiences, they shine. In every tasting, conversation, and shared bottle, we are reminded that wine connects—bringing people together through craftsmanship and community.

Grateful for You

Most of all, we are grateful for you—our John Anthony LIST members, collectors, and community. Your continued support of our wines allows us to pursue this craft with purpose and passion.  We hope to continue to be shared at your table and as a part of your most meaningful memories. It is an honor to create something remarkable for you.

With gratitude,

John Anthony Truchard and the John Anthony Vineyards team

A Harvest Worth Waiting For: The 2025 Season at John Anthony Vineyards

In Napa Valley, every harvest tells its own story. For 2025, John Anthony Vineyard’s story is one of patience, perseverance, and promise. The growing season began with an early start and unfolded under ideal conditions. Warm days and cool nights contributed to the health and quality of our grapes, increasing their potential yields. The combination of ideal weather and healthy vines gave us early indications of balanced fruit with optimal ripeness, acidity, and flavor development. What followed through the growing season was attention and patience, especially as cooler temperatures created a waiting game as harvest arrived.

Harvest has officially come to a close, with all our Napa Valley fruit now in and fermenting in the tanks. It’s exciting to hear that our winemakers, Michael Abernathy and Jeff Kandarian, are anticipating what could be a third excellent vintage in a row. John Anthony Vineyards continues to be farmed by FARM Napa Valley, the first company that John founded in the 1990s, still with several of the same farmworker families tending our vines. Our estates span the length and breadth of Napa Valley with small-lot, hidden-gem sites in Calistoga to the north, Los Carneros to the south, Coombsville to the east, and three vineyards on the western border of the Oak Knoll District of Napa Valley. These are intentionally farmed for the varietal and rootstock best suited to each diverse microclimate, soil type, and elevation. 

North: Calistoga

Our northernmost site, the 10-acre Calistoga Vineyard, lies in Napa Valley’s Calistoga American Viticulture Area. As the warmest of our estates, our vineyard team harvested the first red grapes of the season here, marking the start of our red varietal picks. The site’s mineral-rich volcanic soils and warmer microclimate create rich, full-bodied wines with concentrated flavor and remarkable depth. Nestled on the northeast side of the city of Calistoga, this vineyard showcases the precision of our farming, as our vineyard team picks the highest quality blocks for the vineyard-designated John Anthony Calistoga Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon, a powerful expression of this northern Napa Valley AVA. 

South: Los Carneros—The Tale of Two Vineyards

For our vineyard team, Church Vineyard in Los Carneros remains a favorite site to harvest—and one of the most beautiful. Planted exclusively to Sauvignon Blanc, it is home to two distinct clones: Musqué and Western. Each vintage requires multiple picks to capture the best from every block. The aromatic Musqué clone is always the first pick, since it ripens earlier and typically has lower yields compared to the Western clone here.

Due to the vineyard’s cool Carneros location, harvest runs later than most Napa Valley Sauvignon Blanc. While many growers are finishing their picks, we’re often still weeks away. This year, our final pick at Church Vineyard was on October 16th, while most wineries picked Sauvignon Blanc in early to mid-September. For Church Vineyard, patience is key. We produce two unique styles of Sauvignon Blanc from this single site through careful vineyard management and meticulous winemaking. John Anthony Church Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc is barrel-fermented, offering balance, creaminess, a hint of oak, and depth. The John Anthony Carneros Sauvignon Blanc is fermented in stainless steel, offering vibrancy, clean texture, and refreshing acidity.

Just a mile away, Carneros Gap Vineyard represents the next chapter in the story of John Anthony Vineyards. Our newest vineyard site, following a recent replant by the FARM team, Carneros Gap is already showing extraordinary fruit. This harvest, we are sourcing Chardonnay and Syrah, with potentially a portion heading to this vintage’s John Anthony Reserve Syrah.

Oak Knoll District of Napa Valley

In the heart of Napa Valley lies The Oak Knoll District of Napa Valley, home to three of John Anthony’s estates: Crane, R&D, and Twisted Oak. Nestled in the foothills of Mount Veeder, our FARM vineyard team harvested Crane Vineyard in October, beginning with Syrah in the early weeks and finishing with Merlot at the end of the month. Twisted Oak and R&D Vineyards, both planted to Cabernet Sauvignon, followed later that month. These Oak Knoll sites sit along the southern end of the mid-valley floor, where balanced conditions produce Cabernets that are among the more elegant and understated from Napa Valley.

East: Coombsville

Coombsville Cabernet Sauvignon is always a highlight of the harvest season. These head-trained, dry-farmed vines have deep roots that require careful monitoring, handpicked at optimal ripeness to capture the deep black-fruit character and intensity these berries produce. The Coombsville AVA typically experiences gentle temperature increases in September and October, and timing is everything to achieve the bigger, more elegant profile that defines Cabernet Sauvignons from this site.  

Looking Ahead

The 2025 season has reaffirmed what two decades of experience have taught us: great wines begin in the vineyards, guided by time and nature. Each pick brings us closer to crafting a vintage defined by heritage, precision winegrowing, and meticulous winemaking. A harvest worth waiting for, indeed.

Visit our tasting lounge in Downtown Napa to learn more about the 2025 harvest season and taste through our previous vintages, which have garnered multiple 90+ point scores.

 

Introducing the John Anthony Vineyards 2025 Fall Release

The 2025 John Anthony Fall Release presents eight limited-production wines from our hidden-gem, hand-farmed sites across Napa Valley. From Calistoga to the north, Jameson Canyon to the south, and Coombsville and Oak Knoll District east to west, each release reflects our deep-rooted commitment to heritage, intentional winegrowing, and meticulous winemaking here in Napa Valley.

This release features single-varietal, vineyard-designate, and highly coveted Reserves, each capturing the nuance and character of the land they come from. We invite you to explore this new collection and hope to see you at one of our upcoming Fall events. 

2023 John Anthony Jameson Canyon Chardonnay

From our cool-climate site in southeastern Napa Valley, Jameson Canyon Vineyard, this Chardonnay balances rich, concentrated fruit with barrel spice and crisp acidity. A standout considered one of the best vintages in over 20 years, it promises beautiful aging potential.

Only 75 cases produced. Acquire now.

2022 John Anthony Crane Vineyard Merlot

Sourced from the first vines John planted in 1996, this single-vineyard Merlot offers spiced cherry, espresso, and mixed berry pie flavors framed by a smooth entry and a lingering finish. 

Less than 55 cases produced. Acquire now.

2021 John Anthony Reserve Merlot

Selected from the finest barrels of the 2021 John Anthony Crane Vineyard Merlot, this Reserve Merlot layers dark cherry, red currant, and clove over tight tannins and a long, elegant finish. 

Only 67 cases produced. Acquire now.

2022 John Anthony Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

An artful blend of premier Napa Valley estates, this Cabernet Sauvignon shines with flavors of blackberry, cedar spice, and toffee, with polished tannins and a lively acidity, creating a harmonious structure.

Acquire now.

 2022 John Anthony Crane Vineyard Syrah

A signature John Anthony Syrah, this 2022 Crane Vineyard Syrah shows deep purple intensity, with spiced plum, black cherry, accented by violets and earthy undertones, supported by a velvety texture and vibrant acidity.

102 cases produced. Acquire now.

2020 John Anthony Calistoga Cabernet Sauvignon

From our northernmost estate, Calistoga Vineyard, this single-vineyard Cabernet offers dried blackberry, chocolate-dipped strawberries, and buttery berry compote flavors, carried by a luxurious, velvety structure.

312 cases produced. Acquire now.

2020 John Anthony Twisted Oak Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon

This single-vineyard designate from Twisted Oak vineyard delivers intense black fruit, leather, and mineral-rich depth, finishing long and structured with old-world Barolo charm.

169 cases produced. Acquire now.

2021 John Anthony Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon

Selected from the best barrels of the vintage, this Reserve Cabernet blends Twisted Oak Vineyard and Coombsville Vineyard fruit for a wine of blueberry, sweet tobacco, and barrel spice balanced by firm tannins and remarkable longevity. A structure that captures the  rare distinction of being exceptional now and destined to evolve beautifully over time

256 cases produced. Acquire now.

The John Anthony team is exceptionally proud to present these wines and invites inquiries and tasting reservations at our downtown Napa Tasting Lounge. 

Crane Vineyard: Where Heritage and Precision Winegrowing Unite

In the late 1990s, John Anthony Truchard leased and planted Crane Vineyard, the first vineyard in the John Anthony portfolio. Here he planted the roots of what would become a legacy of precision and craftsmanship.

Nestled just North of the city of Napa, Crane Vineyard is a hidden gem four-acre vineyard in the heart of the Oak Knoll District of Napa Valley. Crane Vineyard’s microclimate is renowned for the cooling fog that drifts in from the Bay, tempering the warmth and extending the growing season. Located at the base of Mount Veeder, where a small alluvial fan sits, the soil is more gravelly and the terrain slightly undulating—a terroir that produces fruit of exceptional elegance and power. 

At Crane Vineyard, John planted Merlot in 1996 and Syrah in 1999, vines that now reflect over 25 years of attentive viticulture care. The Merlot blocks, comprised of the French Clone which adds power and structure to the Merlot, allowing it to have remarkable aging potential. The Syrah blocks are a mix of Bien Nacido Clone, known for its thick skin and dense profile, and Hermitage (Clone 470), the original clonal selection from the Rhône region, prized for its low yields and resulting concentration of character.

The wines crafted from this vineyard are small-lot, single-vineyard designates that tell the story of the distinct terroir of Oak Knoll and their connection to John. These wines include the John Anthony Crane Vineyard Merlot, the John Anthony Crane Vineyard Syrah, the John Anthony Reserve Merlot, and, when the vintage allows, the John Anthony Reserve Syrah. Each vintage, the finest barrels of each varietal are hand-selected by John and the Winemaking team for the Reserve Wines, representing the “best in show” for that vintage. These wines exhibit incredible complexity, structure, and quality—offering enjoyment upon release and up to 20 years in the cellar. 

 

Crane Vineyard is more than just a vineyard site; it is a reflection of John Anthony Vineyards’ core principles—heritage, precision winegrowing, and meticulous winemaking. It is an estate where each vintage is a testament to respect for the land and a pursuit of excellence in every bottle. We invite you to experience these wines in our Tasting Lounge in Downtown Napa, or acquire them directly here.

 

The Story behind the Historic Church Vineyard in Los Carneros

Nestled in the Los Carneros AVA, in Napa Valley Church Vineyard is a 10-acre property owned by Michele and John Anthony Truchard. At its heart stands a historic church, originally built in 1886 in Pennsylvania and carefully relocated to Napa in 2003. The church underwent an exquisite renovation in 2018 after being purchased by the Truchards. Framed by four acres of Sauvignon Blanc vines, this restored building retains its original stained glass windows, bell tower, and soaring 41-foot ceilings. These vines, planted and farmed by John since 2003, produce the coveted John Anthony Church Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc and John Anthony Carneros Sauvignon Blanc—two distinct wines grown from the same vineyard, each expressing a unique character of the site.

Why Sauvignon Blanc?

When John Anthony Truchard was just eight years old, he visited Larry Hyde’s vineyard with his father, Tony Truchard. He vividly remembers tasting the highly aromatic Musqué clone of Sauvignon Blanc for the first time. They were so fragrant and flavorful, he decided then he wanted to one day grow them for his own wine label.

That memory stayed with him. In 2003, when John and his wife Michele founded John Anthony Vineyards, his dream became a reality. That same year, John had the opportunity to lease Church Vineyard, and John planted Sauvignon Blanc with the precision of rootstock, trellising, and row orientation to recreate the flavors that inspired him as a boy.

“Church Vineyard is a unique property, both for the historic beauty of the church surrounded by vines, but also the terroir and micro-climate in Carneros, which produces exquisite, high-quality Sauvignon Blanc,” said John Anthony Truchard. “The wine we make from this vineyard has consistently received some of the top scores for Sauvignon Blancs since its first vintage of 2005.”

Church Vineyard comprises two acres of richly-bodied Musqué clone Sauvignon Blanc and two acres of high-toned, aromatic Western clone. The Western clone contributes brightness and a great backbone of acidity, while the Musqué clone, known for smaller berries and lower yields, brings floral aromatics and a rich body. This unique vineyard experiences a maritime climate with winds from the San Pablo Bay,  and a rich terroir with clay and loam soils that has consistently showcased its exceptional quality through nine vintages of dynamic Sauvignon Blancs.

The Wines behind Church Vineyard—Two Distinct Wines, One Vineyard

Two distinct expressions—John Anthony Carneros Sauvignon Blanc and John Anthony Church Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc—are crafted from fruit sourced from the Church Vineyard. The 2024 John Anthony Carneros Sauvignon Blanc is bright and aromatic, with notes of lemon tart, kaffir lime, and citrus blossom. The palate is crisp with summer fruits, balanced by grapefruit, lemon zest, and a slate-driven finish. Made from 74% Western clone and 26% Musqué clone, this wine showcases vibrant texture and refreshing acidity that lead to a clean finish. It is aged primarily in stainless steel, with 13% barrel fermentation in neutral French oak using X5 yeast for three months. A total of 933 cases were produced.

The 2024 Church Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc is a limited-production wine with only 244 cases made, crafted exclusively from the Musqué clone. It shows pale golden to deep straw hues with layered aromas of apricot, honeydew, apple butter, and chevre. The palate unfolds with golden kiwi, baked peach, passionfruit, key lime pie, and tarragon, framed by rich spice notes. In contrast to the Carneros Sauvignon Blanc,  this wine is 100% barrel-fermented—using 8% New French Oak (50% Sylvain and 50% Maury & Fils), 27% once-used French Oak, 46% Neutral French Oak, and 9% French Acacia using VL3 yeast. Partial malolactic fermentation (45%) adds roundness and a soft, creamy texture as the wine unwinds with balance and a lasting finish.

Church Vineyard represents the heart of John Anthony Vineyards—heritage, precision winegrowing, meticulous winemaking, and the pursuit of crafting excellence in every bottle. Visit the John Anthony Vineyards tasting room to learn more about Church Vineyard and the history behind these remarkable wines.