About Chateau de Vie
Chateau de Vie is a Howell Mountain estate producing Cabernet Sauvignon from some of the Napa Valley's most dramatically elevated and geologically distinct terroir. Founded in 2006, the estate sits on the volcanic ridges of Howell Mountain above 1,400 feet elevation, where iron-rich volcanic soils, thin topsoil, and significant temperature variation between day and night create conditions that push Cabernet Sauvignon toward maximum intensity and structural complexity.
The name, French for "château of life", reflects a philosophy of wine as an expression of vitality rather than formula. Estate Cabernet Sauvignon is the primary production, showing the concentrated fruit, firm tannin structure, and mineral backbone that define Howell Mountain's most compelling expressions. The wines are built deliberately for the cellar, with tannin architecture and acidity that suggest optimal drinking windows of ten to twenty years from vintage.
Tastings are by appointment at $55, with a format that emphasizes the Howell Mountain terroir story and the winemaking philosophy behind the estate's commitment to mountain viticulture. The remote location and volcanic terrain are central to understanding what separates Chateau de Vie's wines from valley floor Napa Cabernet.
"Chateau de Vie is Howell Mountain viticulture at its most committed, an estate that embraces the mountain's demands and produces wines that reward cellaring with genuine complexity."
Wine is available primarily through the mailing list, with the intimate tasting appointment format offering the most direct access to both current releases and library vintages. For collectors building Howell Mountain positions, Chateau de Vie's two decades of estate production provide a meaningful vintage history to explore.
✓
Chateau de VieChateau de Vie declares itself a château of life, not the static, preserved château of European wine history, but a living, active place where winemaking is part of the daily vitality of human existence.
✓
The French nameThe French name carries the aspiration of European winemaking tradition while the 'de vie' ('of life') declaration announces that this château is fully inhabited.
✓
The Howell MountainThe Howell Mountain estate produces Cabernet Sauvignon from volcanic red soils at high elevation where the diurnal temperature swings, volcanic mineral complexity, and mountain stress create wines of unusual structure and depth.
"The 2006 Howell Mountain Napa Valley French-castle-of-life-chateau-de-vie-naming Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay estat"
Visit Pending
Score Breakdown
Ratings will appear after verified reviews
Wine Quality
Not yet rated
Tasting Experience
Not yet rated
Value for Money
Not yet rated
Family Friendly
Not yet rated
Dog Friendly
Not yet rated
Reviews Across the Web
loading...
WN
Wino Notion
Not yet rated Awaiting reviews
Scores from
Google Maps via its official API · Updated every 24 hours · Click any row to view full reviews
Featured Wines
Cabernet Sauvignon
Howell Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon
Howell Mountain · Chateau de Vie Estate
Cabernet Sauvignon from Chateau de Vie (Howell Mountain, Chateau de Vie Estate).
Tasting Experiences
🥂
Chateau de Vie Mountain Life Appointment
Taste the wines at Chateau de Vie in the Howell Mountain. By appointment only, reservations required.
From $55
Photo Gallery
Recent Reviews from Our Community
No Community Reviews Yet
This winery does not have any published Wino Notion community reviews yet. Be the first to share a recent visit and help other wine travelers know what to expect.
Write the First Review → 
Not Yet Reviewed
Charnu Winery
California · Napa Valley
Not Yet Reviewed
Chase Cellars
California · Napa Valley
Not Yet Reviewed
Chateau Boswell Winery
California · Napa Valley
Not Yet Reviewed
Chateau Montelena
California · Napa Valley
Not Yet Reviewed
Checkerboard Vineyards
California · Napa Valley
Not Yet Reviewed
Chimney Rock Winery
California · Napa Valley