Salvestrin’s 93rd Harvest Celebration at the Historic Dr. Crane Estate

This October, the Salvestrin family welcomed guests to the storied Dr. Crane Estate in St. Helena for a joyful afternoon celebrating their 93rd harvest. From the moment visitors stepped onto the grounds, they were greeted by the rich scent of oak barrels, the hum of conversation, and the upbeat sounds of Spike’s Awesome Hotcakes, whose lively set perfectly captured the warmth and energy of harvest season in Napa Valley.

From 12 to 3 p.m., guests sipped through a lineup of Salvestrin’s current releases — from the bright 2023 Pinot Noir and Zinfandel to the structured 2021 Three D Cabernet Sauvignon — all showcasing the distinctive character of the Dr. Crane Vineyard. For those eager to go deeper, the barrel tasting offered a rare peek into the future with the 2023 and 2024 Cabernet Sauvignons, poured side by side for a fascinating comparison of vintage, oak, and time.

Adding to the festive spirit, the Lasagna Con Amore food truck served up comforting Italian favorites that paired beautifully with the wines — a vibrant pesto lasagna, a classic bolognese, and crisp mixed-green salads. Powdered-sugar sfogliatelle pastries rounded out the meal, a sweet nod to the day’s celebration.

The afternoon’s friendly competition invited guests to test their palates in a “Guess the Varietal” game, sampling four mystery wines and matching each to its grape. Winners took home bottles of Salvestrin wine — a fitting reward for their tasting prowess and a keepsake from the day.

As the sun filtered through the barrel room and laughter echoed across the estate, the sense of community and tradition was unmistakable. Each glass raised honored nearly a century of family winemaking and the enduring spirit of Napa Valley.

Cheers to the Salvestrin family on their 93rd harvest — and to many more seasons of craftsmanship, heritage, and heart