EHLER’S ESTATE
History Comes Full Circle
In 1885, German Immigrant Bernard Ehlers founded Ehlers Winery, purchasing 42
acres of land from a viticulturist. Ehlers had made his fortune during the California Gold
Rush, not as a prospector but as a merchant, selling supplies to the influx of forty-niners
flooding California, hoping to strike it rich. Most miners didn’t, but Bernard Ehler’s did.
Bernard was forward-thinking. Instead of prospecting for gold, he purchased what would
eventually become a historic Napa Valley site, growing quality grapes and producing
highly respected and acclaimed wines.
Today, you can sip wine in the historic tasting room (built in 1886) as your host recounts
the fascinating history of the winery through the decades. Ehlers’ wines are highly
rated and sought after. They are also “wines with a purpose.”
Changes through the Years
As with many of the Valley’s wineries, Ehlers has undergone many changes throughout
the years, both in ownership and name. Bootlegging kept the winery running during
prohibition, and it was known as “Mill Winery” from the early 1930s until the late 1950s.
Jumping forward a few decades, French entrepreneur/businessperson Jean Leducq
and his wife Sylviane, who loved food and wine, sought to purchase exceptional land
where outstanding Bordeaux grapes could be grown and wines produced. They
eventually identified a parcel in Napa Valley and, in 1987, began buying land that had
been part of the original Ehlers Estate, having been broken up decades earlier. It would
take the Leducqs almost fifteen years to purchase all 42 of the original Ehlers acreage.
Leducq sought terroir to grow grapes and produce wines that “would rival the best
French vintages.” Making superior wine was one of several goals. He and Sylviane had;
they had a vision to do more than make fine, which included:
*Restoring the rich history of this winery, one of the first in Napa, and pay homage to
Bernard Ehlers.
*To produce small-production, hand-crafted artisan wines that reflect the unique terroir.
*To make wines with a purpose that would help serve humanity.
Experience The Taste of A Project of Love
When they began their project, the Leducqs had a “roadmap” for the future. By 2001,
the original land (42 acres) and the winery building had been repurchased, and the
name Ehlers Estate Winery was restored in honor of the founder.
Today, 37 acres are planted to vines. Spanning nine microclimates, the winery produces
six varietals, concentrating on Bordeaux, four red, and two white. The vineyards have
been certified organic (CCOF) since 2008, and the “best parts” of biodynamic and
sustainable farming practices are integrated into the overall farming protocol.
In 2023, Adam Casto was appointed head winemaker to continue the tradition of
excellence at this iconic winery. With an impressive resume, Adam had spent years
honing his skills and knowledge working at various wineries “Down Under” in South
America and Europe. Additionally, over the past decade, Adam had gained
immeasurable experience working with and being mentored by one of Napa Valley’s
most esteemed and respected winemakers, the legendary Philippe Melka (who has
been Ehlers’ consulting winemaker since 2017).
As you sit and sip in the historic 1886 building (which was remodeled and re-opened in
January of 2024), you will learn more about the history of Ehlers, winemaking, and the
vision of Jean Leducq. The flagship wine is Ehler’s 1886 Cabernet Sauvignon, an
homage to Bernard Ehlers. Only the best barrels are selected for the production of this
wine. You may also sample additional selections of Cabernet, Petit Verdot, Cabernet
Franc, and Merlot, as well as an enticing red blend. Small production (less than 8000
cases annually) are wines of the highest quality, revered and expressive of the terroir.
The Leducq Foundation
What can be better than sipping elegant, award-winning wine in a historical tasting room
while contributing to a humanitarian purpose?
Jean Leducq and wife Sylvaine established the Leducq Charitable Trust in 1996.
Ehlers’ ownership model is distinctive; instead of being owned by an individual or
corporate entity, Ehlers Estate Winery is owned by the Leducq Foundation, and wines
purchased help to aid the Foundation’s mission, which is “dedicated to improving
human health through international efforts to combat cardiovascular disease.”
During your visit, your host (in my case, Gessica Valladares) will walk you through the
history of the property, the ownership, and the changes that occurred over the decades.
As you sip each elegant glass of wine and learn more and more about the people of
Ehlers Estate and the Leducq Foundation, you will intuitively understand why the wines
of Ehlers Estate Winery are unique. History has been preserved, and the wines bring joy to many when sipped with friends and family. Ultimately, the wines also help humanity. What can be more satisfying? Cheers!
Don Sonderling is a freelance writer covering California’s unique wine, food, and
adventure lifestyle from Southern California to Napa Valley and beyond. He may be
reached at: donsonderling@gmail.com