Far Niente Wine Estates

At Far Niente Wine Estates, every detail matters—from the way the wines are crafted to how they are presented. In Summer 2024, Far Niente introduced its most prestigious Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon ever: Benson Vale, the ultimate expression of the pedigreed Stelling Vineyard. Named for pioneer John Benson, who founded the winery in 1885, venerated consulting winemaker Thomas Rivers Brown collaborated with Far Niente winemaker Nicole Marchesi to selected fruit premier blocks, used the best possible barrels, and captured the incredible elegance and power of the coveted terroir while sparing no effort in crafting the extremely limited-release wine.

A wine of this caliber demanded an equally compelling presentation. Benson Vale’s narrative is unveiled through a meaningful and striking label design reminiscent of beautiful book covers of the Belle Epoque era. The artistic tradition is characterized by intricate details, romantic motifs, and a sense of nostalgia, capturing the elegance and charm of a bygone era. Designed by Denomination with illustrations by London-based Darling Clementine, the label is rich with symbolism, seamlessly combining elements of Far Niente’s storied past.

Their work beautifully weaves together the legacy of John Benson, Martin Stelling, Beth, and Gil Nickel, whose initials are intricately intertwined into the illustration—an homage to the visionaries who shaped the estate. Delicate sketches depict the historic John Benson stone winery and the Martin Stelling Vineyard, while intertwined initials of John Benson (JB), Martin Stelling (MS), and Beth (BN) and Gil (GN) Nickel honor the legacy of those who shaped the estate. A western compass rose subtly nods to the Napa Valley’s Western Oakville Bench, reinforcing the wine’s deep connection to place. The back label offers another layer of storytelling, incorporating a refined reimagining of Far Niente’s original 1886 label, complete with the iconic grape cluster in a hammock.

Further elevating the sense of rarity and discovery, Benson Vale is presented in an elegant, storybook-inspired pop-up gift box—an intricate, three-dimensional showcase that transforms the bottle into a collector’s piece. This stunning design not only enhances the unboxing experience but also reinforces Far Niente’s unwavering commitment to artistry, craftsmanship, and heritage. A true intersection of wine and design, Benson Vale stands as a testament to the timeless allure of Far Niente wines.

About Far Niente Wine Estates
Nestled in the heart of Oakville, Far Niente has served as a benchmark Napa Valley estate with a history dating back to 1885. Crafting world-class wines from Napa Valley’s prime appellations, our iconic Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon showcase a distinctive house style. Experience the pleasure of our exceptional wines at our enchanting 19th-century estate or delight in the elegant belle epoque label at your own table; Far Niente remains devoted to excellence, delivering its signature style vintage after vintage.