Winery Story
The Vineyardist
In the 1880s, before Lorenz Peterson made his mark in Napa wine history, he was a ship’s captain. He left his home in Denmark in the 1860s to pursue a life at sea, eventually arriving in San Francisco. Using his savings, he and his family moved north to the burgeoning viticultural region of Napa Valley. He purchased 160 acres on Diamond Mountain, built a grand home, and planted grapevines to make wine. Back then, someone who grew grapes and produced wine was called a vineyardist.
Paradise Regained
Lorenz named his estate Calarcadia, a blend of California and Arcadia, referencing his “California paradise.” However, in 1919, as Prohibition approached, the vines had to be replaced by fruit trees. The property no longer belonged to a vineyardist until 2000, when Dirk Fulton and Becky Kukkola bought it. “My passion for wine began while I...
Winery Information
Region: USA, California, Napa Valley, Diamond Mountain
Address: 263 Petrified Forest Rd, Calistoga, CA 94515
Open for Tastings: By Appointment Only
Major Grapes: Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Sauvignon Blanc
Vineyard Size: 24 acres
Own Winery: Yes
DTC Mailing List: Yes
Vineyard Sustainability: NA
Year Established: 2009
Owner: Dirk Fulton and Becky Kukkola
Winemaker: Tony Biagi
Website: https://thevineyardist.com/
Most Recent Reviews for this Winery
Published: September 2025