We strolled in to find a huge courtyard area with lounge chairs surrounding a fire pit and a bar for tasting. We were welcomed by the owners (a husband and wife) and their daughter, who was doing the pouring. We tried a few of their wines, all of which were impressive but I instantly fell in love with the cab franc. The owner then took us on a tour of the facilities, explained their wine-making process, and gave us a taste of some young wines. We also had a chance to chat with the wine maker and and thank him for making such delicious wines.

Stewart and Stephanie Perry are the owners of Fawnridge Winery and Vineyards, where they craft their award-winning wines on-site. Guests are welcome to meet them during their visits!

Stewart and Stephanie, accompanied by their dogs, are passionate wine lovers with thirty years of experience. After spending fifteen years in North Lake Tahoe, they relocated to Auburn in 1989. Together, they raised sheep and tended to their property, which overlooks the Sacramento Valley. Upon discovering that local grape growers were revitalizing the grape and wine industry reminiscent of the historic Placer County Gold Rush era, they decided to establish vineyards on their land. With assistance from friends, they planted Barbera and Syrah grapes in the summer of 2002. Stewart and Stephanie are deeply involved in every aspect of vineyard management and winemaking, committed to making Fawnridge Winery a world-class success.

The Barbera Vineyard
The Barbera vineyard is situated on one of the fertile hillsides of Fawnridge. The north-south orientation of the vines allows for ample sunlight, essential for this Italian grape. Meticulous, hands-on care ensures the vines produce full fruit and spicy characteristics, resulting in a truly premium wine.

The Syrah Vineyard
Syrah, a grape native to France, is cultivated on another hillside of the Fawnridge property. The careful management of this estate vineyard yields a luscious, flavor-filled Syrah in the French tradition, boasting dark color and a smooth finish that is sure to satisfy even the most discerning wine enthusiast.

A Labor of Love Across Two Generations

The Kapcsándy story is a unique blend of old-world values and American ingenuity, merging classic European grand cru-style with cutting-edge technology. At its heart, it is the tale of a family deeply passionate about wine.

Lou Kapcsándy emigrated from Hungary to the U.S. in 1956, embarking on a successful career in chemical engineering and manufacturing, first in the San Francisco Bay Area and later in Seattle. Through connections in the wine industry, he began sourcing exceptional European wines for his collection, while also mentoring a group of emerging entrepreneurs who would become early pioneers in Washington State’s wine scene.

In 1998, a visit by Lou and his wife, Bobbie, to the historic Bordeaux estate of Leoville-Las Cases sparked a new ambition: to establish a wine business in partnership with their son, Louis, Jr., and to retire in California’s Napa Valley. The family started exploring available properties and, within three months, found a unique 20-acre parcel in Yountville, which was once part of Beringer Estates’ Private Reserve Cabernet program. In May 2000, they closed escrow on the property and initiated a meticulous plan to replant the vineyard, which included two years of soil nutrient restoration.

By 2002, the Kapcsándys had completely replanted their vineyard with 15 distinct blocks of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Cabernet Franc. Construction of a state-of-the-art winery was completed in September 2005. The family then began to bring their vision to life: to produce wines of “First Growth” quality that could compete with the finest in the world. Since 2004, the family has lived and worked on-site, overseeing every facet of vineyard management and winemaking.

Visitors are invited to experience Kapcsándy Family Winery, a multi-generational labor of love that infuses the finesse and elegance of European grand cru wines into the Napa Valley.

Sorry people, this place is private. As it should be. The Kapcsandy's have effortlessly created some of the greatest wine my lips and palate have ever tasted. After taking a tour of the spotless grounds which used to be Beringer Estates, we adjourned ourselves to the tasting room where I, along with close friends and cohorts divided our time among the vast amount of premier wines the Kapcsandy Family Winery has to offer. The Kapcsandy Family Winery is well on its way to make its permanent mark on the wine world. Using the best resources, well thought out methods, and grade "A" ingredients make these wines a challenger to all who dare to face them. They are truly a winery who reside at the top of their game. 

The Heringer Family has always believed in hard work, innovation and resourcefulness. We have always utilized whatever land, crop, or agricultural business opportunities were available to us such that our presence in the industry, the integrity of our family name, and the continuity of the family farm were assured for future generations.This has been accomplished through the generations while maintaining relationships of integrity with venders, customers, employees, and family members.