Producer Spotlight: House of Brown
Every month, we're diving deep into the world of one exceptional winemaker—think of it as your backstage pass to the producers we genuinely love. We'll handpick a selection of wines that truly capture their style, philosophy, and what makes them special, whether they're a longtime favorite we keep going back to or an exciting new discovery we can't wait to share. Consider it your curated crash course in what makes great wine great, one producer at a time.
This month, we're turning the spotlight on Brown Estate — Napa Valley's original Black-owned estate winery — and their second-generation wine label, House of Brown.
While the Brown family has been in Napa Valley since 1980, siblings Deneen, Coral, and David didn’t start making wine until 1996. With medical professionals as parents, their guiding principle when it comes to wine is “do no harm.” Established in 2018, House of Brown was inspired by the expanding and evolving community of wine consumers over two decades. Family-owned and women-led, House of Brown’s label designs are an homage to the brand’s Feel Seen ethos, producing wines with the same commitment to purity and balance that is foundational to Brown Estate.
Get excited, 'cause we're exploring three killer wines from House of Brown:
California Chardonnay 2022
Crisp, lean, and luscious, this 85% Chardonnay and 15% Chenin Blanc is fermented in stainless steel with 3 months on the lees. It has tantalizing aromas of night blooming jasmine, tropical guava, lychee, key lime, and stone fruit. Juicy yet zesty, with a silky and creamy texture, this white wine is medium-bodied with mouthwatering notes of honeydew melon, limestone dust, and slight saline. Pair it with oysters, crabcakes, roasted chicken, and quiche.
Lodi Cabernet Sauvignon 2023
A blend of 75% Cabernet Sauvignon and 25% Nero d’Avola, this sustainably produced red wine is aged for 12 months in seasoned French oak, resulting in a focused, plush, and elegant wine. On the nose, aromas of gardenia, lavender, black cherry, spicy cedar, and sweet vanilla are present. On the palate, the wine showcases delectable notes of ripe blue and black fruits with subtle citrus, eucalyptus, and brown sugar. Structured yet lush and creamy with soft, supple tannins, this wine pairs well with grilled portobello mushroom, Moroccan spiced lamb, Margherita pizza, and vegetable lasagna.
Rosé 2024
Known for their Zinfandel reds, House of Brown wanted to elevate the reputation of Zinfandel rosé, resulting in this blend of 75% Zinfandel, 20% Muscat Blanc, and 5% Viognier. This is an easy drinking anytime-anywhere wine that is certified sustainable and vegan-friendly, opening with aromas of star jasmine, watermelon, raspberry, yuzu, and baking spice. Silky and vibrant on the palate, this is a great partner for shrimp and grits, fried fish sandwiches, and watermelon feta salads.
All Photos Courtesy of House of Brown
