Oak Knoll District · Napa Valley
Visit Fortunati with a Private Chauffeur
A husband-and-wife estate in the Oak Knoll District with up-valley vineyard views, art on the walls and private tastings poured by the vintners, and a suggested six-hour day of tasting around it.
Book a Six-Hour Wine Tour
About the Winery
Gary and Ellen Luchtel met in college, made wine at home, and eventually left San Francisco to buy land in Napa Valley and plant their own vines. The name comes from the Italian pronunciation of "Lucky" (Gary's nickname) and the family name. Gary farms the vineyard and makes the wine; Ellen runs the business and is often the one pouring for guests.
The ten-acre estate sits in the Oak Knoll District and is planted to Syrah, Cabernet Franc, Viognier and Malbec, an unusual mix for Napa. The Luchtels farm without herbicides or pesticides, leaning on bluebirds, quail, bats and barn owls for pest control, and 73 solar panels make the property carbon-neutral. The winery also hangs work by artists the family admires.
Production is tiny, so the Luchtels host only a small number of guests each week, by reservation. The estate tasting pours five or six wines, chosen around your preferences, with sweeping up-valley vineyard views from the grounds. Fortunati was voted Best Boutique Winery in the Best of Napa County awards in 2025 and 2026.
Tasting Fees
Tasting fees to be verified upon reservation. Fortunati does not publish its tasting fee; the fee is waived for members and for guests who join the club at the visit.
Tasting fees as of September 2026. Wineries set and collect their own fees, and they change from time to time.
At a Glance
Location
986 Salvador Avenue, Napa
AVA
Oak Knoll District
Visiting
Private tastings by reservation only, requested through the winery's inquiry form. Only a small number of guests are hosted each week; days and times are confirmed when the request is accepted. We arrange it on your behalf.
Known For
Small-lot Syrah, Viognier, Malbec, Cabernet Franc and Bordeaux-style blends from an Oak Knoll District estate
Founded
Family estate of Gary and Ellen Luchtel
Good to Know
Share your favorite varietals when booking; the tasting is tailored when possible. The visitation fee is waived for Friends of Fortunati members and for guests who join at the visit. A Winery Backstage Pass at the family's bonded winery on Big Ranch Road and offsite tastings are also offered.
A Suggested Six-Hour Day
Pickup at 10:00 a.m. from a nearby hotel such as Milliken Creek Inn or Silverado Resort.
10:00 · Pickup at Milliken Creek Inn or Silverado Resort
Milliken Creek Inn, on the Napa River off the Silverado Trail, and Silverado Resort, at the foot of Atlas Peak, are each about 10 to 15 minutes from Fortunati on the west side of the Oak Knoll District. The day below runs a little over six hours, and extra time can be added by the hour.
10:15 · Fortunati Vineyards
The private estate tasting, five or six wines poured by the vintner or a wine educator, with views up the valley. The length is not published; we plan about 75 minutes. The time is confirmed when Fortunati accepts the request.
11:45 · Whetstone Wine Cellars
About 12 minutes away. A family winery pouring single-vineyard wines by the fire in a restored 19th-century French-style chateau at the base of Atlas Peak Road. The Classic Tasting is $65 for four wines, 60 to 90 minutes. Open Thursday to Monday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.; reservations recommended.
1:15 · Lunch at Oenotri
About 10 minutes away. Lunch at Oenotri on First Street in downtown Napa, known for pizza, house-made salumi and Southern Italian cooking. Lunch is served daily from 11:30 a.m. Prefer a picnic? We can arrange a catered picnic at a winery that allows one; the cost is quoted when you book.
2:40 · Sciandri Family Vineyards
About 15 minutes away. A Tuscan-rooted Coombsville family whose members host cave tours at The Caves at Soda Canyon. The Cave Tour is $65 to $75 with current releases and a cheese and cracker board, 90 minutes. By reservation.
4:10 · Back to your hotel
Back by about 4:25 p.m., a little over six hours after pickup.
About $130 to $140 per person in published tasting fees for Whetstone and Sciandri, plus Fortunati's fee, which is confirmed upon reservation. Fees are paid directly to each winery.
Whetstone opens Thursday to Monday, so this plan suits those days; on other days we swap in another estate. Fortunati sets the tasting time when it accepts the request, and we build the day around it. Three wineries is the right pace for a day of serious tasting.
Every tour is custom. This day is a starting point: your chauffeur will shape it around what matters to you, and we plan multi-day tours for guests who want to see more of wine country.
Your Vehicle & Six-Hour Tour Rates
Up to 6 guests
Elite Luxury SUV
Lincoln Navigator or Cadillac Escalade
From $750
Six-hour wine tour, plus 20% gratuity. Additional hours $125 each.
Up to 9 guests
Jet Sprinter or Executive Luxury Van
Captain's chairs and room to spread out
From $1,350
Six-hour wine tour, plus 20% gratuity. Additional hours $225 each.
Larger groups travel in more than one vehicle, and we plan the winery appointments around your group, since many wineries limit groups to 6 to 8 guests. Tasting fees are separate and paid directly to each winery. Every tour starts with six hours; add time by the hour when you book.
Questions
Do I need a reservation at Fortunati?
Yes. Tastings are private and by reservation only, and only a few guests are hosted each week. When you book a tour with us, your chauffeur makes the reservation for you.
How much is a tasting at Fortunati?
Tasting fees to be verified upon reservation. The fee is waived for Friends of Fortunati members, as of September 2026.
What wines does Fortunati make?
Cabernet Sauvignon and Bordeaux-style blends, plus Syrah, Pinot Noir, Viognier, Malbec and other small-lot wines; the estate is one of few in Napa Valley growing both Viognier and Malbec.
Who owns Fortunati?
Winemaker Gary Luchtel and proprietor Ellen Luchtel, husband and wife.
Where is Fortunati?
On Salvador Avenue in the Oak Knoll District, at the north edge of the city of Napa.
How does booking a tour with Bien Chauffeured work?
Reserve a six-hour tour online, even if your plans are still taking shape. Your chauffeur will email you first to learn what matters to you, then build your itinerary and make the winery appointments. Extra hours can be added.
Reserve Your Tour Now, Plan the Details Later
Your plans don't need to be final to book. Reserve your six-hour tour online, and your chauffeur will email you first to learn what matters to you, then build your itinerary and make the winery appointments. Prefer to talk? Call our concierge at 888-291-2328.
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