Raymond Vineyards – Cheers to 50 Years!
Deep Roots in Napa Valley Winemaking
Raymond Vineyards is celebrating 50 years of winemaking this year and marking the milestone achievement by “awakening the senses” through an anniversary series dubbed ‘Life In Red’.
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The multi-sensory activities will include taste explorations, art installations, and creative collaborations locally with the community and with Nimbus Arts, and nationally with the American Heart Association.
Considered one of the founding 25 vintners in Napa Valley, the Raymond family arrived in 1933 and through marital connections founder Roy Raymond worked as winemaker for Beringer Estates from 1933-1970. He and his two sons, Roy Jr. and Walter, decided to venture out on their own in 1970 and purchased 90-acres in Rutherford where the winery sits today. The first wine under their Raymond Vineyards label was released in 1974. When son Walter assumed the winemaking helm years later, the winery’s exceptional quality and pure varietal expression only grew in recognition. Walter’s keen understanding of the differing micro-climates within Napa Valley determined each vineyard’s varietal selection when planting. In fact, many prestigious cult producers owe their success in part to vineyards planted decades ago under Walter’s tutelage which still thrive and yield exquisite fruit today.
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As an advocate for organic and Biodynamic® farming, I believe Raymond Vineyards has a profound responsibility to pass along a clean environment and revitalized, healthy soil to future generations.
– Jean-Charles Boisset
Proprietor & President of Boisset Collection
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– Crafting Exceptional, Award-Winning Wines –
Raymond Vineyards is continuing its legacy as one of Napa Valley’s finest as part of the Boisset Collection. Proprietor Jean-Charles Boisset’s admiration and respect for the Raymond family and its generational winemaking history was key when bringing this special estate into the fold. Since acquiring Raymond, Boisset Collection brought on veteran winemaker Stephanie Putnam to oversee all winemaking as VP of Winemaking. Her intimate knowledge and expertise with Napa Valley’s top cabernet houses such as Far Niente and Hess Collection, and now Raymond Vineyards, has garnered accolades in Wine Spectator’s Top 100, Wine Enthusiast’s Top 100, and been named The Wine News Cabernet of the Year. Since Stephanie joined Raymond, their scores have consistently been on the rise, regularly receiving 91+ scores from Wine Spectator and Wine Enthusiast.
Another major achievement is the transition of the estate vineyards to CCOF and Demeter Biodynamic® status. Director of Winegrowing, Sophie Drucker, believes the concept of balance within a sustainable ecosystem boosts environmental quality in viticulture and dramatically enhances grape quality. Raymond is also certified by Napa Green, Fish Friendly Farming, and the California Sustainable Winegrowing Alliance.
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– Hot Off the Press! –
Scores from Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate as reviewed by Joe Czerwinski
- 93 points - Raymond 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon District Collection St. Helena
- 93 points - Raymond 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon Generation
- 92 points - Raymond 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon District Collection Howell Mountain
- 92 points - Raymond 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon District Collection Rutherford
- 91 points - Raymond 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon District Collection Oakville
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– Awakening The Senses –
Cheers to 50 Years - Cabernet Flight
Inspired by the traditional candlelit cellars of France, the Crystal Cellar features a collection of historical decanters filled with Raymond’s signature Cabernet Sauvignon. Form and function unite as you sample tastes of their library’s best beneath a remarkable Baccarat chandelier in the working cellar. Discover why decanters aren’t just for show, and why aeration is important when enjoying a fine wine.
$65 / Complimentary for members and up to three guests, 20% savings thereafter. Book at exploretock.com/Raymond vineyards
Red Room Lounge
Previously open for general bookings, the Red Room Lounge is now for members-only as a by-appointment experience. The richly decorated room covered in velvet and crystals incorporates five shades of red as a nod to the five traditional varietals used in Bordeaux-style blends. Experience a special 50th Anniversary flight of their flagship wine, Generations. A tribute to the Raymond family’s five generations of winemaking in the Napa Valley, this is limited production red is made from hand-harvested 100% Cabernet Sauvignon fruit.
$75 per member/person (normally $150/pp). Book at exploretock.com/Raymond vineyards
Winemaker For A Day
Try your hand (and palate) at blending your own Napa Valley Bordeaux-style red blend that you can take home that day. Choose from several varietal component samples then sniff, swirl, and sip your way to blending your own masterpiece. A winery host will help you fill, cork, and capsule your bottle, then it’s adorned with your custom designed label. Your proprietary blend will remain on file with the winery for future orders to be shipped for gifts or to enjoy with family and friends.
By appointment only. Available Thursday through Monday.
90 minutes. $175 per person | Members receive 20% savings.
Book at exploretock.com/Raymond vineyards
Theatre of Nature
Be sure to allocate time during your visit to enjoy a self-guided exploration of their Theatre of Nature. Located adjacent to the Experiences building, the outdoor exhibit offers an introduction to their certified organic and Biodynamic® farming methods which are a hallmark of Boisset wines worldwide. Their holistic farming practices are showcased in various educational features, or “Acts” throughout the “Theatre” (gardens) to teach the importance of creating harmony with all living things to achieve balance with Mother Nature. The easy, circular stroll provides informational signage related to Biodynamic® farming including soils and composting, the roles animals play, plant diversity, a working demonstration vineyard, and a lunar calendar sculpture to demonstrate the connectedness between the earth and its moon cycles.
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– Upcoming Events –
In partnership with Nimbus Arts in Napa Valley.
• June 8, Nimbus Arts at Raymond Vineyards
• July 13, Nimbus Arts at Raymond Vineyards
• August 10, Nimbus Arts at Raymond Vineyards
• September 14, Nimbus Arts at Raymond Vineyards
• September 28, 50th Anniversary Party – Life in Red theme, including Nimbus Arts
American Heart Association Red Ball
May 31, The Ritz Carlton San Francisco, California
Join Raymond Vineyards for an evening of red. Support the American Heart Association while enjoying Raymond wines at their sponsored table. Bid on their magnum or experience lot to support the cause.
Learn more at raymondvineyards.com/events