St. Helena, CA (October 17, 2018) – The Prisoner Wine Company, known for its bold wine blends and thought-provoking label designs, will open its first-ever tasting room in early November 2018 on Highway 29 in Napa Valley, California. The new Tasting Lounge and The Makery—a private tasting space comprised of four studios, each featuring a local Maker and his or her craft—will be a destination for immersive wine education and experiences. Imagined by San Francisco architect Matt Hollis and Napa Valley native interior designer Richard von Saal, the building’s elements take inspiration from the brand’s artistic and edgy labels, including the Francisco Goya painting adorning The Prisoner’s now-iconic label.

“The opening of The Prisoner Wine Company’s Tasting Lounge and The Makery reimagines the typical wine tasting experience,” says Brigid Harris, Property Director of The Prisoner Wine Company. “By offering both loyal and future fans a place to immerse themselves in the brand in a new way, we hope all of our visitors come to discover the allure of The Prisoner Wine Company.”

Director of Winemaking Chrissy Wittman adds, “We’re excited to have a home for visitors to experience The Prisoner Wine Company, whose very reason for being is to create thought-provoking and bold wines. Part of the fun for me has been blending lesser-known, hard-to-find grapes together to create new wines to be shared exclusively at the winery.” These winery exclusive offerings include ERASED, a blanc de blancs sparkling wine; Syndrome, a rosé made from Grenache, Syrah, Pinot Noir, Sangiovese, and Mourvedre; No. 39007, a blend of Chenin Blanc and Viognier; Silenced, a Pinot Noir; and Headlock, a Charbono-based red blend.

The contemporary building will feature a vaulted ceiling with an eight-feet wide by 57-feet long skylight that welcomes ample sunlight into The Makery. An open-view kitchen invites guests to watch Winery Chef Brett Young prepare a curated menu featuring locally-sourced ingredients for dynamic, seasonal and themed wine pairings, such as pairing Thorn—a nontraditional Merlot blend—with king salmon, sake kasu, fall squash and tomato-dashi. Reclaimed wood from the original Bay Bridge and a diesel tank envisioned as a custom chandelier are among the many intriguing pieces found inside the property.

The winery will also feature an elevated wine pairing experience in collaboration with artisans from the Bay Area who will draw inspiration from The Prisoner Wine Company and Napa Valley to create and showcase products from their dedicated studio spaces within The Makery. Current Makers include:

  • Amanda Wright Pottery, a Bay Area ceramicist who takes inspiration from fashion and costume design
  • Soap Cauldron, Sonoma County based natural artisan bath and skincare company
  • Bayview Pasta, a Bay Area favorite, specializing in locally-sourced fresh, hand milled, craft pasta
  • Wine Lover’s Jelly, an independent Napa based producer of jellies made from Napa Valley wine
  • Aplat, Bay Area company creating a culinary bag series with zero waste design and manufacturing
  • Melanie Abrantes Design, a Bay Area producer of handcrafted, heirloom objects including cork and wood items for the home
  • Carrie Saxl Jewelry, a San Francisco-based jewelry maker employing traditional metalsmithing techniques
  • Tsalt Seasoning, locally made salts seasoned with unique ingredients, including wines from The Prisoner Wine Company portfolio
  • RBW Handmade, a producer of ceramics made in Northern California
  • Batle Studio: a Bay Area graphite design studio, making one-of-a-kind, sculptural and decorative writing instruments

Visitors to the property can look forward to additional experiences, including The Yard, an outdoor courtyard with living walls and a wood-burning oven used to cook flatbreads, smoked meats and seasonal vegetables for the wine pairing experiences. A culinary garden on property grows herbs and produce used in dishes served at the winery. Experiences start at $40, reservations are recommended for the Tasting Lounge and required for all other experiences, including access to The Makery. Visit www.theprisonerwinecompany.com to sign up for first access to reservations when available.

Media Contacts:

Matthew R. Smith, MSmith@nikecomm.com, (917) 340-4262

Elizabeth Caravati, Elizabeth.Caravati@cbrands.com, (415) 609-6108

About The Prisoner Wine Company

When The Prisoner was released nearly two decades ago, as a complex blend of some of California’s best and most unusual grape varieties, it swiftly and permanently changed the American perception of what California wine could be. The Prisoner Wine Company grew to include a range of rule-bending blends with provocative label designs, and the portfolio has been recognized by consumers and critics alike as one of the most innovative wine brands in the market, leading the resurgence of California luxury red blends and earning “cult” wine status. Today, Director of Winemaking Chrissy Wittmann and her team work with over 100 growers in Northern California, bringing together exceptional fruit to produce a family of bold and intriguing wines. The Prisoner Wine Company is located on Highway 29 in Napa Valley and welcomes visitors year-round for unexpected, immersive experiences. To learn more visit www.theprisonerwinecompany.com

About TRU Estates & Vineyards

TRU Estates & Vineyards is a collection of the most acclaimed brands in Constellation Brands’ fine wine portfolio. The terroir-driven wines that comprise the TRU Estates & Vineyards portfolio include Schrader Cellars, Robert Mondavi Winery, The Prisoner Wine Company, Mount Veeder Winery, Double Diamond, Auros, Champagne Palmer, Inniskillin, and Ruffino Estates. With unparalleled vineyard and winery properties from Napa Valley to Tuscany, the wines of TRU are true to the land, true to a sense of place and true to the people who are devoted to their craft. To learn more visit http://www.truestatesandvineyards.com/

About Constellation Brands

Constellation Brands (NYSE: STZ and STZ.B), a Fortune 500® company, is a leading international producer and marketer of beer, wine and spirits. Based in Victor, N.Y., the company believes that industry leadership involves a commitment to brand building, our trade partners, the environment, our investors and to consumers around the world who choose our products when celebrating big moments or enjoying quiet ones. Founded in 1945, Constellation has grown to become a significant player in the beverage alcohol industry with more than 100 brands in its portfolio; over 40 wineries, breweries and distilleries; and approximately 10,000 talented employees. We express our company vision: To elevate life with every glass raised. To learn more, follow us on Twitter @cbrands and visit www.cbrands.com.