Boeschen Vineyards

Boeschen Vineyards is a Silverado Trail estate in St. Helena that distinguishes itself by producing one of Napa Valley's only Carmenere bottlings, the "lost grape of Bordeaux" that was once widespread in France before being nearly wiped out by phylloxera in the 19th century. Founded in 1999, the estate occupies 22 acres on the eastern side of the valley, planted to Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and the rare Carmenere that has become the winery's most distinctive offering. The decision to plant Carmenere in a valley dominated by Cabernet reflects the Boeschen family's willingness to champion the unusual.

The 22-acre vineyard sits on the Silverado Trail in St. Helena, with the warm climate and alluvial soils providing excellent growing conditions for Bordeaux varieties. The Carmenere, which was long confused with Merlot in both France and Chile before DNA testing revealed it as a distinct variety, thrives in the warm St. Helena conditions, developing the rich, herbal character that distinguishes it from its more common Bordeaux cousins. The Cabernet and Merlot provide the estate's core production, with the Carmenere adding a dimension of rarity that few other estates can offer.

Winemaker Kris Kato produces the Carmenere as a standalone bottling, giving visitors a chance to taste a variety that most have never encountered. The wine is medium-bodied with herbal complexity, softer tannins than Cabernet, and a distinctive spicy finish that makes it instantly recognizable as something different. The estate Cabernet is polished and well-structured, and the Merlot provides a softer, more approachable red option.

Tastings are by appointment on the Silverado Trail estate, where the Carmenere vines are pointed out during the vineyard tour. The $55 fee includes the full portfolio, with the Carmenere tasting being the highlight for visitors interested in rare varieties.

Boeschen matters because it preserves and promotes a grape variety that was nearly lost to history. The Carmenere's story of mistaken identity, near-extinction, and rediscovery is one of wine's most fascinating narratives, and Boeschen gives visitors the rare opportunity to taste the grape and learn its story in a Napa Valley setting.