The Elkhorn Peak Cellars Estate Vineyards
Located in South Napa, Jamieson Canyon is a six mile stretch along Highway 12 and home to Elkhorn Peak Cellars Estate vineyards.
Jamieson Canyon, Napa Valley
Elkhorn Peak wines are crafted from two estate vineyards.
Our original 8-acre vineyard, planted in 1983 at an elevation of 380 feet, was the first vineyard established in this region. It is home to five distinct clones of Pinot Noir, all cordon trained with vertical shoot positioning and drop irrigation—farmed with intention and care to reflect the purity of the site.
In 1997, Ken expanded the estate by purchasing an adjacent 10-acre parcel. He named it Vineyard 38 after his beloved 1938 Chevy pickup. Originally planted to Pinot Noir, Vineyard 38 was replanted in 2018 with Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc to better match the site’s evolving potential.
Both vineyards face south toward the San Pablo and San Francisco Bays. This orientation, combined with the elevation and coastal proximity, welcomes cooling morning fog and warm afternoon sunshine. With no threat of frost and a long, temperate growing season, this small corner of South Napa offers ideal conditions for cultivating expressive, world-class wine grapes.
“Jamieson Canyon is considered one of the best regions in the Napa Valley to grow Pinot Noir grapes. The area is heavily planted today, but we were the first to plant grapes in this area, back in 1983.”
Ken Nerlove, Owner/Grower
Rooted in Soil Health
Our farming philosophy begins below the surface—with the soil. We believe that exceptional fruit comes from healthy vines, and healthy vines are rooted in vibrant, living soil. That’s why soil health is at the heart of everything we do.
Our vineyards are farmed organically, with no herbicides, pesticides or synthetic fertilizers. Instead, we spread compost and apply foliar sprays (like fish emulsion) on a need-be basis to ensure our soils and vines are well nourished throughout the season. Each year we learn about and adopt more sustainable practices, moving toward our goal of becoming a fully regenerative vineyard by 2028.
Every vineyard task—from winter pruning to canopy management to harvest—is done by hand with precision and care. We aim to cultivate balanced, resilient vines that consistently yield fruit of the highest quality. With intentionally low yields of just two tons per acre, we prioritize quality over quantity—always.
The Mountain Behind the Name
Elkhorn Peak is named after the Elkhorn Peak Mountain. At 1336′ Elkhorn Peak is the tallest mountain in Jamieson Canyon and is located directly behind our vineyards. As the story goes, the mountain earned its name generations ago, when wild elk still roamed freely through this rugged terrain.
“The name of the mountain, as told to me by the ‘old timers,’ came from Elks being common to this beautiful mountain range many years ago.” -Ken, Grower/Owner
The name serves as a tribute to the land’s natural character and a reminder of our deep connection to this landscape—its stories, its rhythms, and the wildlife that continues to shape it.
Our label pays homage: its shape traces the ridgeline of Elkhorn Peak itself.
