Half a Century of Napa d’Italia: V. Sattui Marks 50 Years with Marketplace Rebirth and Legendary Ball
By Monica Vanover on March 21, 2025
When Dario Sattui decided to resurrect his family's winemaking legacy in 1975, he had little more than determination and funds scraped together from selling t-shirts at college sporting events. His great-grandfather Vittorio had built a thriving San Francisco winery after immigrating from Genoa in 1882, only to see Prohibition shutter its doors. Fifty years after Dario's daring and improbable comeback, V. Sattui has grown from a modest structure with a few picnic tables into one of Napa Valley's most beloved destinations. As they mark their golden anniversary in 2025, the winery isn't just looking back at their wondrous history—they're reshaping their future and welcoming their beloved patrons to journey with them.
In a bold reinvention fitting for their 50th year, V. Sattui's original marketplace will be transformed into the spectacular Mercato del Gusto, which will be an immersive culinary playground that brings the vibrant energy of an Italian market to Napa Valley while being faithful to V. Sattui’s cherished spirit. Meanwhile, their cellars are buzzing with experimentation as new wines emerge specifically crafted to intrigue a new generation of enthusiasts without abandoning the classics that built their reputation. These transformations set the stage for September's 39th Annual Harvest Ball—where Michelin-starred cuisine, rare vintage pours, and electrifying live music will transform one unforgettable night into the ultimate toast to V. Sattui's first golden half-century.
As they mark their golden anniversary in 2025, the winery isn't just looking back at their wondrous history—they're reshaping their future and welcoming their beloved patrons to journey with them.
Mercato del Gusto: A Culinary Renaissance
V. Sattui has never been the kind of winery where you taste, nod politely, and move on. It’s a place to linger, eat, drink, and make friends. Maybe that’s why, for generations, families have made V. Sattui their go-to Napa destination, returning year after year to sip, eat, and celebrate. The original marketplace served as V. Sattui's beating heart for nearly half a century, but after 50 years of welcoming wine lovers, the adored space deserved a transformation.
Partnering with award-winning San Francisco architecture firm BCV, V. Sattui has created a space that honors Italian craftsmanship while embracing modern elegance. Handmade 12-foot wooden doors will welcome visitors into a space flooded with natural light from the center clerestory windows. Wide oak plank floors and sapele mahogany hardwood bars will provide a warm contrast to the dramatic stone façade. The stunning centerpiece will be a 20-foot diameter circular wine bar crowned by a striking 360-degree chandelier crafted from wrought iron and wine bottles. Nearby, a 26-foot-long vertical refrigerated wall showcases over 200 artisanal cheeses.
The deli—always a crowd favorite—will feature glass cases brimming with house-cured salumi, imported cheeses, sandwiches, salads, house-made foods, and fresh-made pastas, offering an experience more in line with a vibrant Italian market than a typical winery snack bar. A 34-foot seated back wine bar will offer views of the ivy-covered patio and vineyards, encouraging guests to settle in and savor the moment. Guests will be captivated by a stunning 20-foot diameter circular wine bar, dramatically positioned at the center of the tasting room in the Mercato and crowned by an impressive 360-degree light fixture. But that's not all. The new design will also feature three additional bars, including the back bar and two glass-enclosed, temperature-controlled rooms showcasing an exceptional collection of Library wines.
Every detail, from the locally sourced ingredients to the natural light streaming through the new design, will further elevate the marketplace to a true culinary destination.
But the culinary renaissance at the Mercato del Gusto is only half the story—in the cellar, a similar spirit of innovation is reshaping V. Sattui's wine program.
Old-School Craft, New-School Curiosity
For decades, V. Sattui built its reputation on bold Zinfandels and powerhouse Bordeaux blends—the kind of wines that defined Napa Valley’s rise to global prominence. But resting on past success isn’t the Sattui way. While their roots run deep, their 50th anniversary marks an exciting evolution in the cellar.
Under Director of Winemaking Brooks Painter's guidance, the winery balances reverence for tradition with an exploration of contemporary styles that appeal to a new generation of oenophiles. The newly developed Bacci collection offers approachable wines that pair perfectly with everyday meals—think burgers on the grill with friends—while distinctive orange wines and small-batch natural selections reveal the winemaking team's willingness to step beyond convention.
These new releases aren't about chasing trends; they're about meeting people where they are, whether that's a serious collector cellaring a Rutherford Cab or a curious first-timer looking for something approachable. These additions complement—rather than replace—the estate-driven single-vineyard bottles that have earned V. Sattui countless accolades.
Ball attendees receive exclusive first access to the new Mercato del Gusto during a special Friday reopening celebration, featuring an Italian cheese tour led by renowned cheesemonger James Ayers.
Harvest Ball 2025: A Celebration 50 Years in the Making
Some parties are memorable. This one is legendary.
Every September, V. Sattui's Harvest Ball transforms the winery into a black-tie affair like no other—a night of world-class wine, Michelin-star cuisine, and entertainment that keeps guests talking for months. But the 39th Annual Ball on September 13th promises to be the most spectacular soiree in the winery's history.
For this milestone year, V. Sattui is pulling out all the stops. Ball attendees receive exclusive first access to the new Mercato del Gusto during a special Friday reopening celebration, featuring an Italian cheese tour led by renowned cheesemonger James Ayers. Ayers, a Bay Area native with over 30 years of experience, travels the U.S. and Europe extensively to stay on top of trends and bring them back to Napa Valley. The main event on Saturday begins with sparkling wine receptions throughout the manicured grounds before moving to the grand tent, surrounded by vineyards, for a multi-course feast prepared by Michelin-starred Chef Stefano Masanti, who brings his culinary artistry directly from his acclaimed Il Cantinone restaurant in the Italian Alps.
Each exquisite dish arrives paired with V. Sattui's most coveted bottlings: rare single-vineyard Cabernets, older vintages, and treasured large-format wines pulled specifically for this occasion. After dinner, Montreal-based ALTER EGO delivers an explosive performance with seven lead singers, multiple costume changes, and a non-stop dance repertoire spanning decades of hit music.
The celebration continues long into the night in the underground barrel cellars. West Coast Strut keeps the after-party energy high while guests enjoy Port, Madeira, and hand-rolled cigars under the stars. Harvest Ball guests are also invited to V. Sattui’s lavish Morning After Brunch, featuring their signature brunch cocktail—mimosas made with crushed grapes freshly harvested from the vineyard.
Sustaining Napa for the Next Generation
Fifty years of winemaking doesn't happen by accident. It takes care—not just for the craft, but for the land, the people, and the future.
At V. Sattui, sustainability is the backbone of operations across the estate. Their Napa vineyards are now 100% organically farmed, with drought-resistant techniques and solar energy powering production. These environmental commitments extend to the visitor experience, where plastic-free packaging and compostable picnic materials have eliminated over 116,000 plastic utensils from landfills in a single year.
The winery's forward-thinking philosophy encompasses both ecological and social responsibility. V. Sattui invests in its team members, many of whom have been with the winery for decades, while supporting local charitable initiatives focused on education, childhood development, and senior care. The winery's leadership includes women in key positions, reflecting their long-standing commitment to diversity before it became an industry focus.
This milestone anniversary isn't just about celebrating the past. It's about ensuring that the winery Dario revived from his great-grandfather's legacy continues to thrive for another half-century, preserving the best of Napa Valley traditions while evolving to meet the needs of future generations of wine lovers.
Looking Forward: The Next 50 Years
Fifty years ago, Dario Sattui had a choice: play it safe or take a risk. He bet on the latter, pouring everything he had into reviving his family's long-dormant winery. With little more than a skeleton crew and sheer determination, V. Sattui was reborn in 1975—not as a buttoned-up tasting room, but as a lively, unpretentious gathering place.
What separates V. Sattui from other Napa institutions isn't just longevity or acclaim—it's the genuine warmth that permeates every corner of the experience. Kids play under the oak trees, dogs sprawl in the sun, and couples linger over a bottle and a spread from the weekend BBQ. Whether you want a deep dive into terroir or just a great glass in good company, there's a bottle here with your name on it.
Whether you're planning a milestone celebration, seeking an exceptional wine experience, or simply craving an authentic taste of Napa d'Italia, 2025 offers the perfect opportunity to become part of the V. Sattui story. Reserve a tasting in the Mercato del Gusto, secure your Harvest Ball tickets before they sell out, or join the Cellar Club for exclusive access to rare wines and VIP experiences. Learn more about V. Sattui, shop their highly-rated wines, and sign up for the newsletter at VSattui.com.
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