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About Us
In the moon-lit expanse of our California vineyards, where the coastal fog meets the ancient soil, a silent sentinel keeps watch.
The owl is more than a creature of the night; it is the guardian of the unseen—with a gaze that pierces the shadows—it brings clarity to the darkness, sensing the subtle shifts in the earth and the slow, rhythmic pulse of the ripening vine. High among the branches our hand-crafted owl boxes, serve as sanctuaries for these nocturnal protectors. By welcoming them as our natural guardians, we embrace a sustainable harmony that transcends modern chemistry. This green pest control system allows these majestic hunters to maintain the delicate balance of our ecosystem, shielding the sacred wisdom of the vine from the noise and toxins of the world.
At Caliveda, we believe that the most profound truths are often hidden, waiting for those with the patience to listen and the wisdom to see. This sacred guardianship defines our craft and our commitment to the land. Every bottle of Caliveda is an invitation to share in this nocturnal mystery. Cultivated in natural harmony, guarded by the silent flight of the owl, guided by wisdom, and bottled for those who wish to uncover the vineyard’s deepest secrets.
Our Winery
Our Napa Valley-based, family-owned & operated winery crafts wines that deliver exceptional quality and value. Crafted in the spirit of California, we remain rooted in the authentic traditions of our first-generation Italian winemakers. Holding that tradition, we believe that wine is served best when it brings people together. We craft wines that tell a story and allow those who enjoy them to tell their own.
Our Wine
Caliveda is crafted from grapes grown in California's historic inland & coastal AVA's. Rich in rocky soils, misty mornings, warm afternoons, and crisp ocean air, the quality of these grapes reflects the diverse microclimates that surround them. Through the artful blending of vineyards from these regions, we strive to create the purest expression of each appellation's unique personality resulting in a wine that is harmoniously balanced and flavorful.
From once being hunted and persecuted in many cultures as symbols of witchcraft and death, owls have returned to their regal position as symbols of wisdom. Not only are they a symbol of knowledge & truth, they have also long been one of the biggest secrets to California's vineyard management efforts. Rather than relying on chemicals and pesticides for these vineyards, winemakers also look to owls, nature's best pest control, to ensure that the best grapes make it to our wine bottle without rodent interference. With assistance from these natural guardians each year, we can ensure the success of our vineyards and wines from vintage to vintage.
Pinot Noir • California
Deep ruby with a slightly opaque core, this Pinot Noir opens with pronounced aromas of black cherry compote, ripe raspberry and strawberry reserve highlighted by sweet spice and vanilla. The palate is generous and fruit-forward with soft tannins and a smooth, rounded profile. Ripe berry flavors linger through a long, seamless finish.
Chardonnay • California
Pale lemon in hue, this Chardonnay reveals expressive aromas of lemon, yellow apple and a touch of pineapple accented by butter and vanilla bean. The palate is dry with balanced acidity and a rounded, medium-plus body. Citrus and orchard fruit flavors are complemented by subtle oak and creamy undertones, leading to a long finish.
Our winemakers have created a wine perfectly balanced using classic winemaking techniques and careful blending restraint.
Sparkling Brut • California
Pale straw with fine, persistent bubbles, this Sparkling Brut offers fresh aromas of green apple, citrus and lemon zest layered with delicate brioche notes. The palate is crisp and refreshing with a light body and creamy mousse. Bright orchard fruit flavors are balanced by subtle toast, finishing clean and lively.
Sparkling Rosé • California
Delicate salmon-pink in hue with fine bubbles, this Sparkling Rosé presents vibrant aromas of raspberry, strawberry and soft floral notes with a touch of brioche. The palate is lively and refreshing with a creamy mousse and bright red berry flavors, concluding with a clean, elegant finish.
Cabernet Sauvignon • California
Deep purple-ruby in color, this Cabernet Sauvignon offers pronounced aromas of blackberry jam, cassis liqueur and ripe black plum layered with sweet tobacco, mocha and vanilla. The palate is rich and full-bodied with smooth, integrated tannins and a luscious mouthfeel. Concentrated dark fruit and warm oak nuances carry through a long, velvety finish.
Red Wine • California
Deep ruby in color, this Red Blend reveals aromas of ripe plum and strawberry jam complemented by black pepper, cigar box, cocoa, toast and vanilla. The palate is bold and full-bodied with smooth tannins and a rich core of dark fruit and spice. Warm chocolate and oak notes carry through a long, satisfying finish.
Reserve Pinot Noir • California
Deep ruby in appearance, the Reserve Pinot Noir displays layered aromas of blueberry pie, black cherry compote and ripe raspberry intertwined with vanilla bean, cocoa and subtle forest floor notes. Full-bodied and richly structured, the palate delivers concentrated dark berry flavors framed by silky tannins and balanced acidity. Oak-derived spice and chocolate accents lead to a long, refined finish.
"The Guardian" Pinot Noir • Los Carneros, Napa Valley
The 2023 harvest in Carneros was marked by cool, even ripening conditions that allowed for optimal flavor development while preserving natural acidity. Hand-harvested fruit was gently destemmed and underwent a cold soak to encourage delicate color and flavor extraction prior to fermentation. The wine was aged for 12 months in French oak barrels (35% new), enhancing nuance and complexity while maintaining varietal purity and balance.
Luminous garnet in color, this Los Carneros Pinot Noir opens with vibrant aromas of wild strawberry, cherry and ripe raspberry layered with rose petal, forest floor and refined oak spice. The palate is energetic and well-structured, revealing flavors of pomegranate, cranberry and red currant alongside hints of black tea, sandalwood and earth. Silky tannins and bright natural acidity provide balance and precision, leading to a long finish, and a subtle mineral note.
Our Winemaker
Stefano Migotto
Born and raised in Northern Italy, Stefano Migotto brings a prestigious classical Italian winemaking education and generational wisdom to the Caliveda cellar. With decades of rigorous training in the traditions of his homeland, Stefano treats each vintage with the same quiet reverence the owl shows the night. While he is a master of many grapes, his true passion lies with Pinot Noir—a varietal that requires an intuitive touch and the same delicate precision as the sentinel of our vineyards. His philosophy of minimal intervention allows the natural clarity of the fruit to speak for itself, blending old-world elegance with the vibrant spirit of California. Under Stefano’s expert hand, Caliveda becomes more than a wine; it is a masterpiece of protected heritage and timeless grace.
To our friends and fellow seekers, Growing up in Northern Italy, I was taught that a winemaker is not a creator, but a guardian. My education at the Scuola Enologica di Conegliano instilled in me a deep reverence for tradition—a belief that the "sacred wisdom" of the wine already exists within the vine; my job is simply to protect it. When I first walked the California vineyards that would become Caliveda, I felt a familiar presence. High above in the oak trees, the owls kept their silent watch. To many, they are just birds of the night. To us, they are the sentinels of the unseen. By placing hand-crafted owl boxes throughout our rows, we’ve invited these majestic hunters to be our partners in a sustainable, green harmony. They bring clarity to the darkness, protecting our fruit from the distractions of the world without the need for harsh chemicals. This natural guardianship allows the "true soul" of the grape to emerge—undisturbed, pure, and absolute. In the cellar, I apply that same watchful patience. Whether it is my personal favorite, the elegant and vibrant Pinot Noir, or our plush, concentrated Cabernet Sauvignon, my goal is always balance. Using classical Italian techniques and a philosophy of minimal intervention, I work to ensure that every bottle captures a velvety texture and an unforgettable finesse. Caliveda is guarded by the silent flight of the owl, guided by wisdom, and bottled for those who wish to uncover the vineyard’s deepest secrets. I invite you to pour a glass, embrace the mystery of the night, and experience a vintage that transcends the ages. With wisdom and grace, Stefano Migotto Winemaker, Caliveda
