The Prisoner Wine Company
Winery · Napa County ·
Trendy winery with bold red blends, art, food pairings, DJ
Trendy winery with bold red blends, art, food pairings, DJ
"Napa “wine legend” Dave Phinney, the founder of the Prisoner Wine Company, is listed among those named in the subpoenas tied to the DOJ records request." - Dianne de Guzman
"A contemporary, industrial tasting space that specializes in bold red blends inspired by a historical artwork and supports social-justice causes; beyond standard tastings, offerings can include creative food pairings (even dim sum) and a lively house-DJ experience depending on availability." - Jessie Beck
"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
"We forge our way off the beaten path, seek interesting varietals and blend them together to make wines that are approachable and thought-provoking."
"Inside the tasting room I explored The Makery, the permanent incarnation of The Prisoner’s traveling pop-up that brings together local artisans; it doubles as a private tasting space and experiential showroom. One of the first things that greets you is a large interactive skeleton art piece called Ash Dancer by Angelio Batle of Batle Studio, and at the center sit geometric metal tables that can be pieced together into an industrial-style farm table. A large open kitchen at the far end (with flat screens for close-ups) anchors the space, while two maker stalls on either side host a rotating, handpicked selection of artisans (changing quarterly). For the opening months the makers included delicate handmade jewelry, all-natural artisan soaps, and jellies and salts made with The Prisoner wine; St. Helena ceramicist Amanda Wright contributed a black-and-gold pottery collection with punk-rock details like zippers, spikes and buckles. The Makery is also where the Makery Journey and Makery Experience tours and tastings take place, tying the artisan program directly to the winery’s culinary and wine offerings." - Eater