The story of the love of Amor and Psyche, as related by Apuleius in ancient times, inspired artists into ever new images: Psyche, visited each night by her lover Amor, who nevertheless refuses to reveal his shape and his name, succumbs to curiosity and approaches the sleeping Amor in order to see his true form by the light of an oil lamp. Inadvertently, a drop of oil falls onto Amor, who flees in shock. Only after Psyche has passed various tests and the gods give their permission, may she marry her lover in the gods’ heaven.

August Family Vineyards

August Vineyards was founded in 2015 when entrepreneur Ben August bought a four-acre property in Napa Valley's Oak Knoll District. The tract included two acres of premium Malbec vines and two acres featuring a Tudor-style home, stone castle and gardens.

In 2016, August expanded the vineyard by acquiring a 152-acre plot on Mt. Veeder, replacing a neglected walnut orchard with 1.5 acres of Cabernet Sauvignon, a grape variety for which Mt. Veeder is renowned. The new vines began yielding fruit in 2021.

Until 2018, all of August Vineyards' Malbec grapes were sold to a premium winery where they were blended into super-premium Cabernet Sauvignon. In 2018, August opted to keep half the Malbec crop for his own winemaking. The Malbec block was named Tortilla Flat and the Cabernet block was named Grapes of Wrath, both in homage to novels by John Steinbeck.

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Earl 17 Wines

2019 Sauvignon Blanc, Napa Valley

The 2019 Earl 17 Sauvignon Blanc displays a subtly tropical profile of papaya and guava, following to more complex notes of fresh linens, beeswax, lime zest and Anjou pear. A few years of bottle age have developed a soft, plush texture that lends just the right amount of weight to nervy flavors of quince jam, tangerine, blanched almond, and grapefruit. What begins as a gentle thread of acid builds energy, carrying through the long, delicious finish. .

2018 Merlot, Oak Knoll

Hibiscus, cherrywood and peppercorn are first to emerge from the glass, followed by a fascinating smokey plum sauce, all edged by cool, fresh-cut herbs. Sanguine flavors of pomegranate, rhubarb and iron carry over a distinctly mineral undercurrent, so often typical of Merlot. A serious personality from the start, the 2018 Merlot is simultaneously structured but yielding , giving way to soft, fuzzy tannins that play against a taught, fine acid, reflective of the ideally cool 2018 growing season.

2018 Cabernet Sauvignon, Atlas Peak

Exuberant and fresh, gardenias and strawberry jam are given dimension by sweet baking spices and red cassis. Immediate and commanding, round, silty-fine tannins grip and caress the palate sporting flavors of black cherry, anise, and blood orange. As the tension releases, a delicious, juicy acidity becomes apparent, pulling the flavor and tannin in perfect unison through a lengthy, satisfying finish.

Our Story

At the heart of our exquisite Napa vineyard lies a story that intertwines the passion for winemaking with a legacy of dedication to quality and community. Founded by Ben August, after a distinguished career in Human Resources and the publisher of the long-standing labor newspaper, "The Chief," established in 1897, our vineyard represents a culmination of heritage, artistry, and a deep connection to the land. With his steadfast commitment, Ben August's intention of build a boutique vineyard and winemaking operation in Napa is not just a venture but a testament to his enduring vision.

Ben's path from business to the realm of winemaking reflects his unwavering pursuit of a dream. With an estate sprawling across 4 acres adorned with magnificent marble replicas of renowned Greek and Roman statues, ornate brickwork, meandering walking paths, and an enchanting stone castle, the vineyard is a testament to his appreciation of classical art and playfulness. Rooted in his passion for both fine wines and preserving history, Ben's aspiration to create an unparalleled experience for our friends comes alive as you walk around the estate.

Our foundation rests on Ben August's dedication to creating not just wines, but memories that linger. Our wines embody the essence of our founder's diverse experiences, his tenacity in business while supporting labor rights, and his reverence for the land. With a long-term vision that embraces both tradition and innovation, we invite you to be a part of this remarkable voyage. Discover the symphony of flavors within each bottle, wander through the meticulously curated estate, and immerse yourself in a tapestry of history and craftsmanship. At our Napa vineyard, we blend Ben's captivating narrative with the unique terroir, resulting in wines that are an ode to both heritage and the art of winemaking.