Winery Story

Arietta

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For nearly three decades, Arietta has crafted Napa Valley wines rooted in classical restraint rather than power, using the cooler terroirs of Coombsville and Los Carneros rather than the higher-visibility hillsides farther north. Founded unofficially in 1995 and commercially in 1996 by longtime Christie’s auctioneer Fritz Hatton, the label has remained deliberately small, anchored in the idea that great wines—like great music—derive their beauty from proportion, nuance, and harmony.

Classical

Arietta is owned by Fritz and his wife, Caren Frutig Hatton, with winemaking overseen by Patrick Nyeholt and guided by the estate’s emeritus winemaker, Andy Erickson. Their wines are made at Hudson Winery, a fitting connection to the brand’s roots: its flagship H Block bottling comes from Hudson Ranch, and friends Lee Hudson and John...