One Varietal. One Vineyard. One Wine.
Empreinte brings to life proprietor Elan Fayard’s vision for terroir-driven wines that express the elegant imprint and purity of their origins.
Behind the Wine
Elan Fayard, Proprietor
Elan is a native Californian whose international background encompasses oenology, gastronomy, tourism and journalism. After majoring in international communications and studying in the Loire Valley, Elan worked in radio and restaurant reviewing before following her love of wine back to France, studying in Bordeaux and Provence.
When Elan returned to the Bay Area, she launched Azur Wines with one of the first domestically produced premium rosés, which has since been crowned “America’s Best” by Vogue Magazine. Renovating an historic farmhouse in the Coombsville appellation, she put down roots in Napa Valley and developed deep relationships with the world-class grape growers in the area. From these sincere friendships and longstanding relationships, Empreinte was born.
Elan is featured in the book Wine Country Women of Napa, and her direct-to-consumer wine consulting business, Elan Fayard Consulting, supports other vintners in nurturing the relationships that sustain them. Her most recent vision, Luminous Retreats, provides restorative women’s wellness retreats in Napa Valley and other exquisite destinations.
Our Wines of Place
Empreinte wines, by definition, begin in the vineyard. We work with growers from some of the most coveted vineyard sites in Napa Valley, sourcing fruit with absolute integrity to make wines that sing of their source. Each wine we make bears the imprint of its origin.
Empreinte Sauvignon Blanc, McGah Vineyard
McGah Vineyard is located on the eastern side of the Rutherford AVA, where gravelly loam soils, warm days and cooler nights allow grapes to retain their fresh acidity even at full ripeness.
Empreinte Sauvignon Blanc from this site is full-bodied and luscious, with luxurious tropical fruit aromas and bright citrus freshness.
Empreinte Pinot Noir, Winner's Circle Vineyard
Originally a racehorse training ranch, Winner’s Circle is a ridgetop vineyard in one of the Sonoma Coast AVA’s most sought-after areas. Well-draining weathered sandstone soils and dramatic coastal fogs provide optimal conditions for Pinot Noir.
Empreinte Winner’s Circle Pinot Noir offers brilliant aromatics, distinctive structure and exceptional length.
Empreinte Cabernet Sauvignon, Sleeping Lady Vineyard
Sleeping Lady Vineyard takes its name from the shape of the Mayacamas mountain range that looms above it. This site in the western foothills of the Yountville AVA has astounding soil diversity, thanks to the ancient riverbed on which it rests.
Sourced from the Hillside Block, Empreinte Sleeping Lady Cabernet offers a smooth core of fresh purple and blue fruits interlaid with caramel, floral and stony notes.
Empreinte Cabernet Sauvignon, Mt. Veeder Vineyard
The Mount Veeder AVA is an ancient seabed surrounded by volcanic soils, known for its long, cool growing season and the smallest yields of any Napa Valley appellation.
The expressive Empreinte Mt. Veeder Cabernet is richly spiced and aromatic, with deep black fruit, floral notes and mineral undertones.
Empreinte Pinot Noir, Platt Vineyard
Platt Vineyard is located in the windswept hills of the Sonoma Coast AVA, where the Pacific Ocean makes its influence felt daily. Frequent fog and cooler days yield fruit with elegant aromatics and finesse.
Empreinte Platt Vineyard Pinot Noir delivers fresh red fruits with mineral and earth-driven undertones, in a sleek and elegant texture.
Empreinte Grenache, McGah Vineyard
McGah Vineyard is located on the eastern side of the Rutherford AVA, where gravelly loam soils, warm days and cooler nights allow grapes to retain their fresh acidity even at full ripeness.
Empreinte Grenache from McGah delivers bright, spicy red fruit with wonderful energy and freshness.
Empreinte Cabernet Sauvignon, Howell Mountain Vineyard
The Howell Mountain AVA is defined by its elevation above the fogline, where thin, nutrient-poor soils stress the vines to achieve concentrated fruit with age-worthy character.
The structured Empreinte Howell Mountain Cabernet delivers intensity and complexity, with abundant black fruits, rich mocha, tobacco and spice notes.
Empreinte Cabernet Sauvignon, Martinez Vineyard
Martinez Vineyard is located in the iron-rich red soils of Napa Valley’s Pritchard Hill area, which looks down on the valley floor from a rock-laden ridgeline in the Vaca mountains.
The powerfully structured Empreinte Martinez Vineyard Cabernet is known for its explosive black and blue fruit, aromatic complexity, and velvet richness.
Visit Us
Visit
Empreinte is pleased to offer tastings to allocation owners by prior appointment. On occasion, we are also able to accommodate tasting requests from non-members. Please contact us to inquire.
Hours
Open Daily 11AM – 6PM
Tastings by appointment only
Call 707.812.4203 or email elan@azurwines.com
We look forward to sharing our wines with you!
Contact Us
For more information about Empreinte Wines, or to request an allocation of our limited-production wines, please contact us:
Elan Fayard, Proprietor
Email: elan@azurwines.com
Phone: 707.812.4203
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Thank you for your interest in Empreinte Wines.