Arrow&Branch: A Napa Winery Rooted in Legacy and Purpose
Arrow&Branch: A Napa Winery Rooted in Elegance and Intention
Napa Valley is filled with big-name labels, but some wineries quietly stand apart. Arrow&Branch is one of them.
Founded in 2008 and producing just 2,000 cases per year, Arrow&Branch is the kind of place that refuses to rush the process—crafting Bordeaux-inspired wines that reflect both the vineyard and the people behind the label. During my recent visit, I got a behind-the-scenes look at their winemaking philosophy, plans for an expanded hospitality space, and their commitment to meaningful causes like Family House.
The Story Behind the Label
Arrow&Branch was started by Steve and Seanne Contursi, who fell in love with the wines of Bordeaux—specifically the Right Bank—during their travels together in the early days of their relationship. Years later, they discovered a Napa Valley farmhouse surrounded by Cabernet Franc vines, and their dream took root.
The name is a nod to the family’s roots in the rare coin world. On the back of many U.S. coins, an eagle holds both an olive branch and arrows—symbols of peace and strength. It’s a subtle tribute to heritage, values, and the balance they aim to strike in every bottle. Cabernet Franc takes the lead in their flagship Right Bank Blend, a reflection of the Bordeaux style that first sparked their passion.
Elegance Throughout
Just minutes off Highway 29, Arrow&Branch feels like a world away. We were greeted by Michael Ploetz, Vice President of Hospitality and Sales, who was warm, welcoming, and deeply knowledgeable, not just about Arrow&Branch but Napa Valley as a whole.
He poured us a glass of their Sauvignon Blanc, grown at high elevation and fermented in stainless steel and Austrian oak to coax out both aromatics and texture. It’s beautifully complex, bright and layered, and the perfect way to begin our tour of their state-of-the-art winery.
Arrow&Branch shares its winery with a small group of like-minded vintners, including Zeitgeist Cellars, Cornell Vineyards, and Keplinger Wines, who share their commitment to quality.
The space is stunning. High ceilings and floor-to-ceiling windows flood the rooms with light. Everything is spotless and intentional, from fermentation tanks to aging barrels to the most beautiful hand-blown glassware I’ve ever seen (Josephinen, if you’re curious). As we walked, we met several members of the team, each one generous with their time and passionate about their work.
We were also treated to a preview of their upcoming label, Coronet, named after a crown and meant to symbolize new beginnings. While distinct from Arrow&Branch, it shares the same dedication to elegance, complexity, and age-worthiness.
A new hospitality space is in the works, and if their current eye for detail is any indication, it’s going to be worth the return trip.
Generous Spirit
Arrow&Branch has supported the annual Cabernet for Connoisseurs event benefiting Family House for nearly a decade. If you’re unfamiliar, Family House provides free housing for families whose children are receiving life-saving treatment at UCSF. It’s a place of comfort and stability during some of the most difficult times.
This fall, Arrow&Branch will once again be pouring their wines to raise critical funds. Their support is a reminder that great wine can also serve a greater purpose.
Whether you’re headed to the event or planning a trip to Napa, keep this winery on your list. Between their thoughtful winemaking, warm hospitality, and commitment to giving back, Arrow&Branch offers more than just a great glass of wine. Find them at 5215 Solano Ave, Napa, CA. Tastings require an appointment, so be sure to call ahead (707-800-6777 ) to reserve a time.
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Arrow&Branch Winery
Michael Ploetz, Vice President of Hospitality & Sales
Arrow&Branch Vineyard
A View of the Vineyard
Tasting Room
Arrow & Branch Barrel
The New Label: Coronet
