Our Story
About Far Niente Wine Estates
Our legacy is one built on the pursuit of perfection and the responsibilities of stewardship
The Evolution of an Icon in Winemaking
At Far Niente Wine Estates, our devotion to excellence is rooted in a deep respect for the land and the historic estates entrusted to us. A dream that began nearly 150 years ago with pioneer vintner John Benson was revived in 1979 by Gil Nickel, an Oklahoma entrepreneur with a newfound love for fine wine. His ethics and drive to be the best transformed the Far Niente into one of the world’s most iconic wine estates.
Gil and Beth Nickel, along with their partners, slowly built a collection of exceptional vineyards and Napa Valley wineries that became known as Far Niente Wine Estates. We are unwavering in our commitment to responsible and sustainable winemaking, land stewardship, employee happiness and giving back to the community.
Masters of Craft Who Never Stop Learning
When Gil Nickel discovered the abandoned Far Niente Winery, his vision was to create a Napa Valley wine estate that would stand alongside the best in the world. He measured every aspect of their work, from the vineyard and cellar to the gardens and hospitality, against the highest standards by traveling to Europe’s top wineries. A prolific note-taker and intrepid traveler, Gil also surrounded himself with talented people who shared his insatiable curiosity and ambition. “To be the best, you learn from the best,” Gil said. This philosophy has been passed on to every employee over our 45 years. Even after making Far Niente an icon of winemaking excellence, we believe we are life-long learners. We will never stop asking ourselves, “How can we make a better wine?”
Stewards Who Believe in Making an Impact
As leaders in Napa Valley, we consider ourselves stewards of the land, the people and the community. In our sustainably farmed vineyards, we work to minimize impact on the environment and maximize health of the ecosystem. Protecting the land we call home and preserving it for future generations is a value that guides us from the vineyards to each winery, where we work to improve efficiency and reduce carbon emissions.
The passion, integrity and generosity of our people help us make the greatest impact. As responsible neighbors, we support our community through philanthropy and community service, a philosophy that was established by the Nickel family.
The Importance of Having Partners
Gil Nickel learned the value of business partners early in life, working for his family’s plant nursery. He and his brother needed help running their thriving business, and they wanted to ensure that the manager cared as deeply for quality and excellence as they did. So, they made him a partner.
When he purchased the Far Niente Estate, Gil offered owner Douglas Stelling a small interest in the wine company in exchange for a piece of his extraordinary vineyard to the west. Far Niente’s first winemaker and president became partners next. This tradition of partners who share not only Gil’s passion for making the best possible wines but a devotion to invest in the future has continued through Far Niente Wine Estates’ history.
A passion for restoration and renovation
Our legacy is forever linked to Gil Nickel’s love for preserving history. Each Far Niente family winery was created around a precious estate that needed a guardian to restore and protect its place in Napa Valley.
Explore the Far Niente Wine Estates family of wineries
Each winery in the Far Niente family was inspired by an extraordinary vineyard and its potential for winemaking greatness. While distinct in personality and taste, they share a common bond: our devotion to making exceptional wines with a profound sense of place.
Far Niente
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Nickel & Nickel
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Bella Union
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Post & Beam
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EnRoute
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Dolce
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We are dedicated to supporting our community, and the people at its center, by promoting a strong company culture founded on respect, excellence, integrity and social responsibility. This commitment includes investing in our staff through supportive wages, benefits, and a continual emphasis on evolving and growing.
We believe in creating a diverse and equitable environment at Far Niente Wine Estates. Forty-seven percent of our total leadership is female, 57% of our executive leadership is female and 44% of our staff are non-white.
As a Blue Zone Approved Worksite, we support the well-being of our staff with a smoke-free environment, healthy food options, culinary gardens, mobile health clinics, flexible work schedules, increased communication, walking programs and more.
Our Leadership
Winemakers
Visionary & Partners
The Far Niente family thrives
At Far Niente Wine Estates, we are stewards of more than 500 sustainably farmed acres of vineyards, three Napa Green-certified wineries and multiple historic buildings. Today, our partner-owners include private equity partners, GI Partners and Apax Partners; proprietress Beth Nickel; Gil’s nephew, Erik Nickel; director of winemaking emeritus Dirk Hampson; and president emeritus Larry Maguire. We take great pride in the recognition received for our wines and our business practices.
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