“Racing was instilled in us from the start. We had to be good at it, we had to win. There was a lot of pressure to win and do your best. Now we’ve applied that attitude and work ethic to V12 Vineyards where we have worked hard to make the very best Napa Valley wines.”
-Jimmy Vasser
V12 Vineyards was born out of a tradition of focus, determination, teamwork, excellence and winning. Jim Vasser, Sr., an incomparable vehicle enthusiast and automotive business professional, long-ago instilled in his family the love of cars and motorsports. His young children were involved in racing, an exciting lifestyle, and for the Vassers, automobiles became a family affair. When Jimmy Vasser, Jr. became a professional race car driver, it was a natural choice that eventually led to an Indy-Car Championship Title.
In the ’90s the family purchased an automotive dealership in the Napa Valley. Living and working in the region provided the wine country experience which appealed to Jimmy. Although he still travels on the racing circuit and spends more than 200 days annually on the road, he can regularly be found spending “down time” in Napa.
In 2001, Jimmy purchased from Rob Mondavi the former chicken ranch which he has meticulously transformed into the V12 Vineyards Estate. It took several years to get through the local planning process before the first vines were planted in 2006 and the first harvest was two years later with the 2008 vintage.
V12 isn’t just a number, it represents several things:
• V represents the Vasser Family
• 12 was Jimmy’s winning race number
• V12 is the ultimate racing engine which provides power, smooth operation and a uniquely distinctive sound
• 12 represents the 4 vineyard blocks, with 4 clones planted on 4 different rootstocks on the V12 Estate
Completed in 2023, our beautiful tasting venue was inspired by the desire for an intimate yet contemporary area to entertain. Slightly minimalist, quite like a performance engine, our space is small but mighty.
PLEASE NOTE: Visitation at V12 Vineyards is welcome with advance reservations only. Our tasting experience is by reservation only and not open to the general public.
To schedule a tasting appointment please email vicki@v12vineyards.com or call (707) 225-2551.
