Clos Pegase – A Wine Temple in Napa Valley
In Calistoga, Napa Valley, Clos Pegase Winery offers more than just wine. It’s a landmark. Its architecture, wines, and story make it a must-visit for wine lovers.
A Character Behind the Vision
You couldn’t miss Jan Shrem. Bald, with a hooked nose and dressed in a rumpled vest, he sat smiling behind a gold-trimmed desk.
Even before learning he spoke Hebrew, visitors felt a warm connection.
Shrem, a kind-hearted Jewish businessman, made his fortune after WWII. He imported technical books to Japan, a country eager for American knowledge. Later, he married a Japanese woman and invested heavily in building his dream winery.
A Winery Like No Other
In a competition with 96 architects, Michael Graves was chosen to design the winery. The judges called it a “temple of wine and a place of pilgrimage.”
Driving along Highway 128, the building stands out. Painted in earthy red tones, it features two tall chimneys stretching skyward. It doesn’t look like any typical winery.
Behind it, a wooded hill hides the Shrem family villa. Inside the hill, a wine cave stores barrels for ideal aging.
From Vine to Bottle
Although the Shrem family owns many vineyards, Clos Pegase is an estate winery. This means all wines come from nearby estate vines.
The winery is open for tastings, which are available for a fee. If you’re in Napa, it’s well worth a visit.
A Wine to Remember: Cabernet Sauvignon Hommage 2013
Among Clos Pegase’s best wines is the Cabernet Sauvignon Hommage 2013.
It’s aged with a double fermentation process in oak barrels. The result? A bold wine with deep Bordeaux color and rich fruit flavors.
You’ll notice a background of oak, with aromas that recall a fine cigar humidor. With 14.8% alcohol, it’s full-bodied yet remarkably smooth.
Final Note:
The judges were right—Clos Pegase truly feels like a wine temple. It blends bold design, estate-grown wines, and a memorable experience.
