Au Sommet

Founded in 2008, Au Sommet is a prestigious boutique winery created through a partnership between renowned winemaker Heidi Peterson Barrett, entrepreneur John Schwartz, and acclaimed vineyard manager Jim Barbour. The winery was established with a singular vision: to produce an exceptional mountain-grown Cabernet Sauvignon that would showcase the unique character of one of Napa Valley’s most remarkable vineyard sites. The name “Au Sommet,” French for “At the Summit,” reflects the winery’s location atop Atlas Peak and its pursuit of excellence in every aspect of viticulture and winemaking.

At the heart of Au Sommet is a small, high-elevation vineyard planted primarily to Cabernet Sauvignon with a small percentage of Petit Verdot. The vineyard’s volcanic soils, mountain climate, and elevated position contribute to wines known for their concentration, structure, minerality, and aging potential. These growing conditions allow the grapes to develop exceptional complexity while maintaining balance and freshness, characteristics that have become hallmarks of the winery’s style.

Au Sommet focuses on producing a single flagship wine, crafted in limited quantities and designed to express the distinctive qualities of its vineyard. Under the guidance of Heidi Barrett, one of California’s most celebrated winemakers, the winery has gained recognition for producing Cabernet Sauvignon that combines power with elegance. The wines are known for layered dark fruit flavors, refined tannins, remarkable depth, and the ability to age gracefully for many years.

A defining characteristic of Au Sommet is its commitment to quality over quantity. Production remains intentionally small, allowing meticulous attention to vineyard management, harvesting decisions, fermentation, and aging. Every step of the process is guided by a philosophy that exceptional wines begin in the vineyard and should faithfully reflect their origin.

Today, Au Sommet is regarded as one of Napa Valley’s premier boutique Cabernet Sauvignon producers. Through limited-production winemaking, world-class vineyard sourcing, and a dedication to craftsmanship, the winery has earned a respected reputation among collectors and wine enthusiasts seeking powerful, elegant, and age-worthy mountain wines.