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.

 

Jameson Canyon in Bloom: The Season So Far

There’s a quiet pulse running through Napa Valley this time of year—one you can feel in the air and see in the vineyards. At John Anthony Vineyards, this is where our commitment to heritage, winegrowing, and winemaking comes alive, vine by vine, season by season.

A Promising 2025 Season: Cool Breezes, Steady Growth

In Jameson Canyon, where our Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc vines thrive, the 2025 growing season is taking shape under steady, promising conditions. After a notably dry start to winter, late January brought much-needed rain, soaking the soils and setting the stage for healthy vine development. Spring unfolded with mild temperatures, cool coastal breezes, and fog-draped mornings—ideal for slow, even growth.

Bud break arrived in mid-March, followed by steady shoot elongation and the first signs of flowering in May. So far, the season has been marked by balance: no late frosts, no extreme heat spikes, just a steady rhythm of growth that reflects the measured nature of this cool-climate site.

Jameson Canyon’s Legacy: A Cool-Climate Gem in Napa

Jameson Canyon has long been prized for its unique terroir. Tucked into the southeastern corner of Napa Valley, just beyond Carneros, this region has quietly contributed to some of the valley’s most elegant wines. Its cool marine air, shallow clay-loam soils, and rolling hillsides create an environment perfectly suited for varietals like Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc—grapes that demand a longer growing season and benefit from coastal influence.

While much of the attention in Napa has traditionally centered on Cabernet Sauvignon from more famous AVAs, Jameson Canyon has its own quiet legacy. Vineyards here first took root in the 1980s, as pioneering growers like the Nerlove family planted Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. By the 1990s, families like the Raymonds had recognized the site’s potential, developing over 200 acres of vines dedicated to premium white grapes.

Stewardship and Precision: John Anthony Vineyards in Jameson Canyon

When John Anthony Truchard acquired the historic Raymond vineyards in 2021, it marked a new chapter for Jameson Canyon. For John, who grew up surrounded by Napa’s vineyards and whose family had farmed nearby Carneros for generations, Jameson Canyon was more than a strategic acquisition—it was an opportunity to steward a piece of Napa’s history.

Today, under the care of John Anthony Vineyards and the precision farming of FARM Napa Valley, these vines continue to flourish—producing fruit that is integral to the John Anthony Reserve Chardonnay and the Jameson Canyon Vineyard Chardonnay, both celebrated for their vibrant fruit character, layered complexity, and sense of place.

The recently re-released 2022 John Anthony Reserve Chardonnay, sourced entirely from Jameson Canyon, exemplifies the quality of this site. With its golden hues, aromas of Anjou pear, apple compote, and orange blossom, and layered notes of brioche and ocean minerality, it’s a wine that reflects the promise of the land and the vision of our team.

A Season of Possibility

As the 2025 season progresses, we’re watching the vineyards with a careful eye. Flowering is underway, and the cool, steady conditions bode well for an even fruit set. The vines are balanced and healthy, their canopies lush and green, setting the stage for another vintage that expresses the purity, precision, and sense of place that define our wines.

It’s a beautiful time to visit Napa Valley. The vineyards are in bloom, the weather is mild, and there’s an unmistakable sense of momentum in the air. Plan your next visit to the John Anthony Tasting Lounge in downtown Napa, where you can experience the wines shaped by Jameson Canyon’s distinct terroir—crafted with intention, rooted in place, and distinctly John Anthony.

Meet Our Winemaker: Michael Abernathy

Michael Abernathy’s journey to Napa Valley winemaking wasn’t a straight path—but it was destined. Born and raised in Georgia, he discovered his passion for wine during a summer job at Robert Mondavi Winery while still in college. That experience changed everything. By 2006, he had packed his bags and moved west, ready to immerse himself in the world of wine. 

His career began in hospitality at Grgich Hills and Folio Fine Wine Partners, led by the Michael Mondavi family. But the more he learned, the more he felt pulled toward the winemaking side of the industry.

 

Trading the tasting room for the cellar, he worked his way up from Cellar Worker to Assistant Winemaker, sharpening his craft alongside some of the industry's most talented vintners. He deepened his technical expertise through winemaking courses at UC Davis and Napa Valley College, further refining his approach. 

It was during his time at Folio that Michael crossed paths with Vintner, John Anthony Truchard, and Executive Winemaker, Jeff Kandarian. That connection proved pivotal, leading him to join John Anthony Vineyards as Assistant Winemaker in 2016. Today, as John Anthony Vineyards Head Winemaker, Michael carries our winemaking forward with precision, complexity, and structure that defines John Anthony Vineyards wines.

Winemaking Philosophy

For Michael, winemaking is about balance—allowing the fruit to shine while making thoughtful refinements to enhance and elevate each wine. 

“One of the things that makes John Anthony Vineyards so special,” he explains, “is our portfolio of estates meticulously managed by our in-house farming team. We have full control over every step, from planting and pruning through to harvest, ensuring we pick at the optimal moment to capture the best expression of each varietal.” 

John Anthony’s vineyards stretch across Napa Valley, from all the way north to our Calistoga Vineyard—where Cabernet Sauvignon thrives—to the cool-climate Jameson Canyon Vineyard in the south, home to our elegant Chardonnay. Each site is precision farmed, with a deep understanding of how the terroir shapes the wine, just as John learned in his youth farming his family’s estates.

Innovation Beyond the Vineyard

In addition to hands-on vineyard management, John Anthony Vineyards wines are crafted using cutting-edge technology at Napa Valley’s leading custom crush premises, where Michael oversees every stage of production.

“We use state-of-the-art destemmers that deliver whole, clean berries to the fermentation tanks,” he shares. “Our tanks feature automated pump-over systems, precision temperature controls, and aeration technology to optimize fermentation. Our dedicated white wine barrel room stays cool throughout harvest, allowing for a slow, controlled barrel fermentation process.” 

These innovations ensure that each wine develops with maximum depth and complexity while staying true to the John Anthony Vineyards signature style. A commitment to French oak aging and minimal racking allows the wines to evolve naturally, creating layers of nuance in every bottle.

What’s Next at John Anthony Vineyards

As the vineyards wake up from their winter dormancy, our team is in full swing—pruning and preparing the vines for another promising season. In the cellar, select lots from the 2024 vintage are completing malolactic fermentation, while our newly bottled 2022 vineyard-designate wines rest before release. Looking ahead, bottling for the 2024 vintage begins in July, starting with Chardonnay, followed by 2023 vintage reds: Merlot, Syrah, and Cabernet Sauvignon in August. Michael is already fine-tuning blends, excited about what’s to come. 

“Both the 2023 and 2024 vintages are shaping up to be phenomenal,” he says. “I can’t wait to share these wines with our collectors and customers—they truly showcase the best of what John Anthony Vineyards is all about.” With a deep respect for tradition and an eye toward innovation, Michael Abernathy continues to shape the future of John Anthony Vineyards and embodies the best of Napa Valley. Each bottle tells a story of meticulous vineyard care, thoughtful winemaking, and a commitment to crafting wines that stand the test of time. 

John’s vision for his signature Napa Valley wine brand is to select the best vineyards for their varietal, craft wines that embody their world-class terroir, and share them with people who truly appreciate them. As the winery approaches the release of our 20th vintage in 2026, we are thankful for the expertise and craftsmanship of Michael Abernathy and his mentor Jeff Kandarian in helping to realize this vision today and for the decades to come.

Introducing the Highly-Anticipated John Anthony Vineyards 2025 Spring Release

Spring has arrived at John Anthony Vineyards, and with it comes the eagerly awaited 2025 Spring Release. This exceptional collection features eight limited-production wines, each a masterful expression of our acclaimed Napa Valley estates. From vineyard to bottle, these wines reflect the meticulous care of our team and the character of our remarkable terroir. Quantities of these handcrafted wines are limited and offered on a first-come, first-serve basis. Please secure your selections early.

Leading the 2025 Spring Release are the highly-demanded John Anthony Sauvignon Blancs: the 2024 John Anthony Carneros Sauvignon Blanc and the 2024 John Anthony Church Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc. Both wines hail from Napa Valley’s Los Carneros AVA, renowned for its cool climate and ideal conditions for crafting elegant Sauvignon Blanc. The 2024 John Anthony Carneros Sauvignon Blanc is a vibrant expression of the Los Carneros AVA and delivers an exquisite balance of freshness and complexity. Fermented in stainless steel, pronounced aromas of ripe citrus, green apple, and white peach are complemented by subtle floral notes leading to a crisp, clean finish. The 2024 John Anthony Church Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc is sourced exclusively from Church Vineyard, this single-vineyard Sauvignon Blanc is a showcase of terroir and meticulous winemaking with a gentle fermentation in French oak barrels. Aromas of tropical fruit, passionfruit, and lime zest intertwine with delicate herbal undertones for a rich, textured experience balanced by a refreshing acidity.

Next in the 2025 collection is the refined and expressive 2023 John Anthony Reserve Chardonnay. Sourced from our historic Jameson Canyon estate, acquired by John in 2021, this wine embodies the rich character of its unique terroir. Its striking golden hue signals aromas of baked apple and ripe pineapple. On the palate, vibrancy and richness of flavor and texture extend through to a lingering finish. This Reserve Chardonnay is a testament to our dedication to crafting wines of exceptional depth and elegance.

The 2025 Spring Release continues with the extraordinary 2021 John Anthony Coombsville Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon—a wine that truly stands out in this collection. Sourced from our small, four-acre Coombsville Vineyard estate, this head-trained and dry-farmed site yields fruit of remarkable fruit concentration and quality. The 2021 vintage is both refined and powerful, expressing the character of the vineyard. With its exceptional depth, this Cabernet Sauvignon is a true gem that embodies the essence of Coombsville and the artistry of John Anthony winegrowing and winemaking.

 

Next in our Spring Release are three exceptional single-vineyard Cabernet Sauvignons from the Oak Knoll District. Beginning with the smallest of our Oak Knoll estates, the 2021 John Anthony Epps Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon stands out for its rich, dark fruit character and structural complexity. The vineyard’s superb drainage enhances the intensity and nuance of the fruit, resulting in a wine of remarkable depth. With only four barrels produced each year, this ultra-limited Cabernet Sauvignon is a rare expression of this tiny vineyard.

 

Following is the 2021 John Anthony GnR Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon. From just two and a half acres of gravelly benchland soils in the Oak Knoll District, the GnR Vineyard yields small quantities of intensely concentrated Cabernet Sauvignon. The 2021 vintage showcases refined tannins, vibrant acidity, and an impressive balance, even in its youth, promising remarkable cellaring potential for decades to come.

The third Oak Knoll District wine in our Spring Release is the 2021 John Anthony R&D Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon. Spanning just under four acres, the R&D Vineyard's rich volcanic soils are renowned for yielding Cabernet Sauvignons with high energy and powerful structure. The 2021 vintage evolves gracefully, revealing layers of fruit, spice, and tannin that harmonize with vibrant acidity.

 

The collection concludes with the 2021 John Anthony Vineyards Reserve Syrah, crafted from a micro-block at Crane Vineyard—one of the first sites John planted to the Hermitage Clone of Syrah nearly 25 years ago. This remarkable wine boasts complex layers and an elegant structure, supported by a dense, rich core and soft, supple tannins that evolve beautifully with time. The Syrah is the perfect finale to our 2025 Spring Release.

 

Embodying John’s commitment to heritage, winegrowing, and winemaking, the 2025 John Anthony Spring Release is a celebration of the world-class Napa Valley wine region. We hope that these wines find a place at your table, shared with family and friends. Visit us at the John Anthony Tasting Lounge in downtown Napa to savor these highly sought-after wines. Select releases are now available for purchase online.