Nickel & Nickel
Nickel & Nickel is a benchmark Napa Valley winery, founded in 1997, devoted exclusively to producing single-vineyard, single-varietal wines of purity and terroir expression.
History of Nickel & Nickel
Established by the iconic Far Niente Winery in 1997, Nickel & Nickel was born from a singular vision: to craft 100% varietal wines from Napa Valley’s most exceptional single-vineyard sites. It represents a distinct departure from Far Niente’s more blended approach, allowing for a laser focus on the nuance and individuality of each parcel.
The estate is located in Oakville, at the historic John C. Sullenger farmstead, a 19th-century property thoughtfully restored to preserve its architectural heritage. The winery seamlessly blends tradition and innovation: behind the Queen Anne-style farmhouse and classic barns lies a state-of-the-art, solar-powered facility equipped to vinify each parcel separately, ensuring precision from vineyard to bottle.
From the beginning, site selection has been at the heart of Nickel & Nickel’s philosophy. Soil structure, rootstock, clonal material, vineyard exposure, and farming methods are all scrutinized to reveal each vineyard's unique character. Their commitment to sustainable viticulture and winery practices ensures a future-forward approach while honoring the integrity of Napa Valley's land and heritage.
Region and Vineyards
Nickel & Nickel’s vineyard portfolio reads like a who’s who of Napa Valley terroirs. With sites spread across Oakville, Rutherford, St. Helena, Howell Mountain, Calistoga, and Yountville, the winery showcases the full geographic and climatic diversity of Napa. These include standout parcels such as C.C. Ranch, John C. Sullenger, Martin Stelling, and State Ranch, among others.
Each of these vineyard-designated wines is farmed with site-specific viticulture, allowing subtle differences in soil, elevation, and aspect to shape the identity of the final wine. As a result, wines grown mere miles apart reveal distinct personalities - offering a rare comparative lens into Napa’s complex geology.
Wine Range of Nickel & Nickel
The estate produces an extensive and meticulously curated collection of single-vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon, along with a limited range of single-vineyard Chardonnay. Key bottlings include:
- John C. Sullenger Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon (Oakville)
- C.C. Ranch Cabernet Sauvignon (Rutherford)
- State Ranch Cabernet Sauvignon (Yountville)
- Martin Stelling, Branding Iron, Dragonfly, and Kenefick Ranch
- Truchard Vineyard Chardonnay (Carneros)
All wines are crafted by Joe Harden, winemaker since 2018, whose deep experience with Napa’s terroirs—gained notably at Robert Mondavi and UC Davis - has helped Nickel & Nickel earn multiple 95+ point scores from top wine publications.
Did you know?
Before becoming a full-time winemaker, Joe Harden played professional basketball in Australia and the NBA D League. His passion for wine began early—growing up on a vineyard in Lodi—and today he brings both athletic focus and scientific precision to his winemaking.
