AXR Winery
January is a month when the world slows down. It's like taking a deep breath after a wild December – calm after the holidays, emptier streets, emptier calendars. At the same time, it's the beginning of a new period when we make resolutions and feel like we can start again from the first page. January is a month of space for thoughts, for changes, for oneself.
And it is precisely this space and calm that is pleasant to share with good wine – with a glass that warms you up, delights your senses, and accompanies moments of reflection and conversations with loved ones. Meet AXR Winery – a new addition to our portfolio. A winery that combines tradition with a modern approach. Their wines are fresh, precise, and ideal for sharing quiet moments and festive occasions.
History
The idea to establish AXR Winery was born in 2015 during one of many friendly breakfasts between four friends, the so-called Fantastic Four (FAB 4): Kelly Trevetham, Don Van Laeken, Mark Schratz, and Jean Hoefliger. They were united not only by their love of fine wine, but also by their desire to create a winery that would embody the values they believe in—authenticity, accessibility, and experiences that are not reserved for the select few. AXR was to be a place where guests would feel at home and where hospitality would reflect the personalities of its founders.
The name AXR Winery was chosen as a reminder of California's rich winemaking history. AXR is the name of a historic grapevine rootstock developed in 1879 by French gardener Victor Ganzin. This rootstock enjoyed great success after the repeal of Prohibition and during the wine renaissance of the 1970s, when it was used by most wineries in Napa Valley. It was not until the mid-1980s that AxR1 proved to be susceptible to phylloxera, leading to widespread damage to vineyards and significant economic losses.
However, even this crisis did not stop Napa Valley. Winemakers adopted new technologies, adapted plantings to local conditions, and focused on a philosophy of "quality over quantity." As a result, California wines are now among the best in the world.
AXR Winery Vineyards
The philosophy of AXR Napa Valley winery is based on a deep respect for terroir – the unique combination of soil, climate, altitude, and human approach. In one of the most diverse wine regions in the world, Napa Valley, where dozens of soil types and microclimates meet, AXR carefully selects vineyards that best express their origin.
Each location, from cool coastal areas to sunny mountain slopes, brings a specific character, structure, and energy to the wines. Thanks to the collaboration with exceptional growers and the visionary approach of head winemaker Jean Hoefliger, the wines are not only a reflection of the vintage, but above all an authentic narrative of their place of origin. The following overview presents the key vineyards whose terroir shapes the style and soul of AXR wines.
Hudson Winery is one of the most sought-after sources of Chardonnay in the Carneros region. Its collaboration with AXR brings exceptional Heritage clone grapes with extraordinary depth and elegance. The emphasis on sustainability and respect for nature is reflected in the clean and generous expression of the wines.
Ritchie Vineyard is an icon of Chardonnay in the Russian River Valley. Old vines on the original AxR1 rootstock and Goldridge soil give the wines tension and mineral purity. The vineyard has never been replanted, making it a rare site with old vines. The result is complex wines with a Burgundian character and a long finish.
Crown Point Winery in Happy Canyon combines exceptional terroir with modern technology. The elevated location and stony soil promote slow ripening and high concentration. The result is structured, layered wines with great aging potential.
Sleeping Lady Winery is the jewel of the Yountville AVA. The Bettinelli family's innovative approach ensures an ideal balance of light and air. The wines here excel in elegance, harmony, and velvety texture.
The Bennett Vineyard in cool Coombsville benefits from fog and coastal influence. The area is known for producing wines with balanced structure and lively acidity, which is also reflected in the Cabernet Sauvignon from this vineyard. The wine offers layers of dark fruit, nuanced aromas, and rich flavors.
The Beckstoffer To Kalon winery has a rich history dating back to 1868. Thanks to alluvial and volcanic soils, the wines produced here have a firm structure, pronounced tannins, and exceptional depth. It is one of the most renowned vineyards in the world.
Harbison is a small family vineyard in the heart of the prestigious Oakville region. The red volcanic soil and micro-cultivation promote the unique character of the grapes. The wines are energetic, layered, and full of personality.
V Madrone is a historic estate at the foot of Spring Mountain with an eastern orientation. Retaining the name is a tribute to its heritage and connection to the community. The diverse soils create harmony between fruitiness, structure, and freshness in Cabernet Sauvignon. The wines are balanced, elegant, and authentic.
Denali Estate in the hills of St. Helena offers ideal conditions for Cabernet Sauvignon. The western exposure promotes richness of flavor while maintaining freshness. The result is powerful, structured wines with a soft, velvety finish. AXR represents Denali through several styles, from valley blends to single vineyard wines.
AXR Winery is an example of a winery that combines respect for history with a modern outlook on the future. Each bottle tells the story of the place, the people, and the passion with which it was created. From the iconic vineyards of Napa Valley to the precision work in the cellar, the wines produced here appeal with their authenticity, elegance, and depth.
Whether you open a glass of AXR in the quiet of a January evening, at a gathering with friends, or during a festive occasion, it will always take you on a journey through California's unique terroirs. It is an invitation to slow down, appreciate the present moment, and enjoy a wine that has a real story to tell.
Sources:
https://www.axrnapavalley.com/
3.2.2026
