Checkerboard Vineyard Impetuous 2012

The winery at Checkerboard is a small building reflecting a 'four-poster’ barn style found in early New England. We did not want a large building impacting the quiet and natural surrounding environment.

As a result Steph Martin designed an attractive, yet functional winery that does not detract from the stunning nature of Checkerboard.

Checkerboard Vineyards is on the southeastern slopes of Diamond Mountain. It was started by Dennis O’Neil, a Florida property developer, and Stephen Martin, a San Francisco businessman, who bought 300 acres. They make two cuvees, Checkerboard and Kings Row. Checkerboard is made in small quantities, about 300 cases a year, and is made of the most select blocks in the vineyards. The estate grows Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Petit Verdot and the winemaker is Martha McClellan, one of Napa's rising stars.The wines are generally available by mailing list.