Matthiasson Wines Tasting Experience: A Must Visit Napa Winery

In Napa Valley, where opulence often reigns, Matthiasson Wines stands out for its unwavering commitment to a more understated winemaking philosophy. At the heart of Matthiasson’s ethos is the organic cultivation of grapes, sustaining a harmonious balance with nature through meticulous farming methods that shun the “bigger is better” mantra Napa is sometimes known for, in favor of restraint. 

Steve and Jill Matthiasson’s hands-on approach ensures that every bottle is a testament to their values: wine that speaks of place and purity. Visitors to their tasting room are not only greeted with a glass of finely crafted Napa Valley wine, but with the kind of warm and generous hospitality that leaves a lasting impression, underscoring the authenticity of the Matthiasson experience.

There are so many different types of wine tasting experiences in Napa, and we love to try both ends of the spectrum. From luxurious tasting rooms like Mondavi’s new Arch & Tower, to Matthiasson’s more relaxed approach.

The Matthiasson Wine Style: Organic or Bust

Steve and Jill Matthiasson are the husband-and-wife team behind Matthiasson Winery, based in the Napa Valley. The Matthiassons are known for their unique approach to winemaking, which focuses on creating balanced wines that reflect the character of their land and grape varieties rather than following more mainstream Napa trends that often favor robust, highly extracted wines. Instead, the Matthiassons aim for restraint and nuance, seeking to express the fruit’s natural flavor without excessive manipulation.

Their approach to viticulture is steeped in sustainability, organic farming, and a deep respect for the environment. Both Steve and Jill studied agriculture at UC Davis, and they were early adopters of organic farming practices that utilize cover crops and careful water management. This sustainable ethos extends into their vineyard selection, too, as they often choose cooler sites that are less conventional in Napa Valley. Using fruit from vineyards like these is crucial to producing wines with higher acidity and freshness.

Steve Matthiasson Works with Unique Grape Varieties

The Matthiassons work with a diverse array of grape varieties. While they do produce wines from well-known varieties such as Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay, they also have a penchant for lesser-known Friulian varieties from Italy. They have been instrumental in popularizing Ribolla Gialla in California, and their portfolio includes other unique varietals like Refosco and Schioppettino. Also, they craft wines from Merlot, Syrah, and Sauvignon Blanc, applying the same principles of balance and subtlety.

Our Experience at the Tasting

What a fantastic experience we had at the Matthiasson Winery tasting. Both Derick, our host for the afternoon, and JJ, the Cellar Master, were exceptional and very accommodating.

We tasted the:

• 2022 California Rosé (a blend is of34% Grenache, 32% Barbera, 16% Counoise, 14% Mouvedre, and 4% other reds) – light, fresh, and crisp.
• 2021 Napa Valley White Wine (36 % Semillon, 32 % Ribolla Gialla 32 % Sauvignon Blanc, and 3 % Tocai Friulano) – delicious!
• 2022 Linda Vista Chardonnay – restrained and unoaked.
• 2021 Syrah – a beautiful example of an elegant California Syrah that wasn’t too brambly.
• 2021 Zinfandel – lots of red and black fruit, spice, and earthy undertones.
• 2020 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon – old school style and charm. This is a gorgeous Napa Cab.

At the end of the tasting, Jill arrived at the winery and chatted us up for a good 30 minutes. SHe was so nice and expressed her gratitude for our patronage. This was the cherry on top of the experience. 

The Wine Club

Let’s talk about Matthiasson’s Wine Club. If you’re into exploring unique grape varieties like the ones outlined above, then joining this wine club is a must. Joining the Matthiasson Wine Club gives you access to extremely limited production wines like the Ribolla Gialla, Refosco, and Schioppettino. And, take it from us, these are some spectacular Napa wines.

Other consumer-friendly perks include: 

• Free 12-month subscription to SOMM TV (if you don’t sign up for this club, we highly recommend you subscribe to SOMM TV on your own – it’s fantastic) 
• Priority access to member-only and limited-production wines.
• Complimentary tastings at the new Matthiasson Winery in Napa & Complimentary Virtual Tastings.
• 12-Bottle Members receive COMPLIMENTARY ground shipping on club orders.
• Up to 15% savings on all additional Matthiasson Wine purchases.
• Invitations to Matthiasson exclusive events.

Full disclosure: we had such a lovely time at Matthiasson, and enjoyed the pours so much that we joined their Wine Club!

Tips

• Book your tasting in advance. Wine tasting at Matthiasson is by reservation-only. The tasting experience is a pretty in-depth, so booking ahead is essential.
• The winery is a little off-the-beaten path in Oakville. Be sure to check the address and directions, so you don’t get lost on one of the area’s smaller roads. 
• Can’t make it to Napa? Book a virtual tasting! This winery offers both.

Closing Thoughts

We were so impressed with the wines and the team at Matthiasson’s Yountville Winery. It’s very rare for us to join wine clubs – they have to be stellar for that kind of bottle commitment, but we joined this one!

When you’re in Napa, book a tasting. You’re going to love it!

FAQs

Is Matthiasson natural wine?

Steve Matthiasson is part of the New California Wine Movement that practices minimal intervention techniques. This means that Matthiasson uses native yeast fermentation, and the absolute minimal amount of sulfur necessary to preserve wine.

Where to buy Matthiasson wines?

The best and easiest way to purchase Matthiasson wines is by joining the Wine Club. Some specialty wine shops do carry the Napa Valley White Blend, but most bottles are allocated to members and restaurants.