Burgess Cellars

Burgess Cellars is a Howell Mountain estate experiencing a dramatic rebirth under new ownership after decades as one of the mountain's most underrated producers. The winery was founded in 1972 by Tom Burgess, a former military pilot who planted Cabernet Sauvignon on a steep hillside property at 1,000 feet elevation. The estate produced solid mountain wines for over 40 years but never achieved the recognition or pricing of its more famous Howell Mountain neighbors. In 2020, the property was acquired by the Heitz family (of Heitz Cellar fame), who have invested substantially in vineyard renovation, winemaking facilities, and the tasting experience.

The estate covers 40 acres of mountain vineyard on the southern face of Howell Mountain, planted to Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot on the volcanic soils that define the appellation. The elevation, while lower than some Howell Mountain estates, still places the vineyard above the fog line, where intense sunlight and rocky soils create conditions of natural stress. The new ownership has replanted portions of the vineyard with modern clonal selections while preserving the estate's oldest blocks, creating a bridge between the property's heritage and its future.

Winemaker Meghan Zobeck, who came from the Heitz Cellar team, is guiding the estate through its transformation. The Cabernet Sauvignon is evolving from its historically rustic character toward a more polished, modern expression of Howell Mountain terroir while retaining the mountain intensity that the site naturally delivers. The Merlot, which benefits from the slightly lower elevation, is plush and aromatic. Early vintages under the new regime have earned strong critical praise, suggesting that Burgess is finally achieving the recognition its terroir has always deserved.

Tastings at Burgess are by appointment, with visitors hosted on the mountaintop for an experience that includes vineyard views and a seated tasting of the current portfolio. The new ownership has upgraded the hospitality program to match the ambition of the wines, creating a welcoming, personal experience that honors the estate's history while signaling its new direction. The $65 tasting fee is moderate for Howell Mountain and reflects the estate's transitional position between its undervalued past and its premium future.

Burgess represents one of Napa Valley's most compelling turnaround stories. The acquisition by the Heitz family, themselves stewards of one of the valley's most historic estates, ensures continuity of mountain winemaking tradition while bringing fresh energy and investment. For visitors who enjoy discovering estates in their ascending phase, Burgess offers the rare opportunity to taste a mountain wine that has not yet reached its full price potential.