CADE Estate Winery

CADE Estate Winery is PlumpJack's mountain sibling, a Howell Mountain property that brings the PlumpJack group's irreverent, quality-first approach to one of Napa's most prestigious mountain appellations. Founded in 2005 by Gavin Newsom and Gordon Getty's PlumpJack Group, CADE was one of the first LEED Gold certified wineries in the world, combining environmental responsibility with luxury winemaking at an elevation of 1,800 feet. The hilltop winery, designed to take full advantage of the panoramic views, has become one of the most architecturally impressive destinations on Howell Mountain.

The estate covers 54 acres of volcanic hillside above the fog line, planted to Cabernet Sauvignon and Sauvignon Blanc. The Howell Mountain AVA is defined by its thin volcanic soils, intense sunlight, and above-fog-line elevation, conditions that produce grapes of extraordinary concentration and tannic structure. CADE's specific site, on the mountain's southern flank, receives optimal sun exposure throughout the growing season. The environmental commitment extends to the farming, with the vineyards managed using sustainable practices that minimize water use and chemical inputs.

Winemaker Danielle Cyrot produces a focused portfolio that showcases Howell Mountain's distinctive character. The CADE Estate Cabernet is powerful and structured, with the dark fruit, firm tannins, and mineral backbone that define the mountain appellation. The Howell Mountain Cabernet, from a broader selection of mountain sites, offers a slightly more approachable expression. The Sauvignon Blanc, unusual from a mountain estate, provides a crisp, aromatic contrast to the bold reds. All wines are available in screwcap as well as traditional cork, continuing the PlumpJack group's pioneering closure philosophy.

The hilltop tasting room is one of the most dramatic settings in the valley, perched above the fog with views that stretch across the entire Napa Valley floor. The modern, eco-friendly architecture uses natural materials and passive climate control, keeping the interior cool without air conditioning. Tastings are seated and guided, with the staff explaining both the mountain terroir and the environmental design of the building. The $85 tasting fee includes the full portfolio and the unforgettable setting.

CADE demonstrates that environmental responsibility and luxury winemaking are not competing priorities but complementary ones. The LEED Gold certification proves that a winery can be both sustainable and spectacular, and the wines prove that Howell Mountain terroir needs no embellishment. For visitors who value both the environmental ethic and the view, CADE offers one of the most complete experiences on Howell Mountain.