The Prisoner Wine Company Launches Prison Reform Initiative - AFAR

"Housed behind a slate-colored exterior in a wood-and-metal, industrial lounge, this Napa winery delivers an approachable, art-forward tasting centered on bold red blends and globally inspired, often vegan-friendly food pairings—think curry with zinfandel or cabernet, soup dumplings with bold reds, and a popular dim sum-and-wine weekend experience. Tastings are unpretentious and guided to meet guests where they are, and the St. Helena tasting room (opened in 2018) emphasizes staff diversity and a second-chance employment initiative run in partnership with Rubicon Programs. Founded by winemaker Dave Phinney in 2000 and later acquired by Constellation Brands, the brand’s flagship red blend earned early critical acclaim and wide distribution. In 2022 the winery launched the Corrections collection—an inaugural, limited run of 300 cases sold as a $225 three-bottle set (Malbec, Viognier, Tempranillo)—featuring label art by Chris Burnett, informative bottle bags printed with criminal-justice statistics, and a $25,000 donation to Rubicon to raise awareness of and funds for prison reform; the series is planned as an annual collaboration with different artists and partners. The overall vibe intentionally blends hospitality, art, and activism—the sommelier has been known to steer tastings toward conversations about prison reform—and the venue also offers chocolate pairings, food-and-wine pairings, Friday DJ nights that can turn into lively dance parties, and requires reservations." - Jessie Beck