Fantesca Estate & Winery

Fantesca Estate & Winery is a winery in the Spring Mountain District AVA of Napa Valley. The founders, Duane Hoff and Susan Schulze Hoff, are former executives of Best Buy Company. With the purchase of the property, the Hoffs hired winemaker Nils Venge and his son, Kirk Venge, as consulting winemakers. Since April 2008, Heidi Barrett has been the estate's winemaker.

This property was originally the dowry of Caroline Bale, when she married Charles Krug in 1860. Even then, it was recognized as prime mountain vineyard land. A Cabernet Sauvignon from this vineyard made by Hannah Weinberger won one of the first awards for a wine from the Napa Valley in 1889.

Susan Schulze Hoff is the daughter of Best Buy Chairman and Founder Richard Schulze. She began working in the family business at the age of 18 and, after 23 years, retired from the post of Senior Vice President and Chief Communications Officer in 2006. Duane Hoff began as a department manager at Best Buy and held the post of Business Development before his retirement. In February 2004, the Hoffs purchased the estate and cave, which had been developed by Robert Yeakey. At the time of purchase there was an inventory of 2002 vintage wine in barrel, which the Hoffs hastily finished and branded for a 2005 release.

From a 53-acre (21 ha) property, the 8.6-acre (3.5 ha) vineyard is cultivated with Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc.

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