Winery Details

Creating red-wine from grapes grown on small acreages in both Napa Valley and Knights Valley is the passion of Beth and Jim Summers. Their signature, "unique" wine is Charbono, thought to be a close relative to the Dolcetto variety, widely grown in northern Italy. The name is thought to be an early Italian immigrant version of Charbonneau, a French varietal. The vine bears very large berries that are used to make a very dark red wine that, when subjected to extended skin contact during fermentation, is full of fruit flavor and low in tannins. 
 
Summers is one of only a few Tasting Rooms pouring Charbono wine. Charbono wine is only produced in California, adding to its exclusive appeal. Now there are only 80 acres of Charbono planted in California, half of which are in Calistoga. Calistoga is a sweet spot for Charbono, and most of the older vineyards are there. Today only 16 wineries produce Charbono; with Summers Estate Wines holding the title of Charbono King for producing the largest amount of this special wine annually - about 1500 cases. 

• Passion: Creating red wine from grapes grown on small acreages in Napa Valley and Knights Valley is the passion of owners Beth and Jim Summers and winemaker Ignacio Blancas.

• Signature Wine: The unique wine offered by Summers is Charbono; the name is thought to be an early Italian immigrant version of Charbonneau, a French varietal.

• Grape: The vine bears very large berries used to make a very dark red wine; when subjected to extended skin contact during fermentation, the wine is full of fruit flavor and low in tannins.

• Exclusive: Summers is one of the few Tasting Rooms pouring Charbono wine; there are only 80 acres of Charbono planted in California, half of which are in Calistoga.