Some wines you taste and instantly know they’re special. That’s exactly how I felt the first time I tasted Somnium Wines, perched on the slopes of Howell Mountain in Calistoga, California — even if I haven’t visited (yet). Somnium means dream in Latin, and this winery truly embodies that: a dream turned reality by none other than Danica Patrick, the famed race-car driver, entrepreneur, and podcast host who has seamlessly shifted gears into the world of fine wine.

Danica’s story is as inspiring as the wines she’s created. Her journey began with a love for cooking, food, and wine — passions that led her to Napa Valley and an unforgettable dinner at The French Laundry. The next morning, despite a lavish meal and an early tasting, fate had something in store. Standing on a hilltop overlooking the valley, tasting what would become one of her favorite white wines, she fell in love — with Napa, with wine, and with the idea that maybe one day she could create something of her own.

That spark ignited in 2006, and by 2009 she found the perfect property — steeped in A++ soils and framed by stunning views high on Howell Mountain. The vineyard development began in 2011, focusing first on Cabernet Sauvignon, later expanding to include Cabernet Franc in 2014. In 2020, the winery entered an exciting new chapter with Julien Fayard as head winemaker, further refining the estate’s signature style.

When Danica named her winery Somnium, it was more than symbolic. “Owning my own winery was something I thought would just be a dream,” she says. “But it became a reality.

I recently had the pleasure of tasting through the Somnium lineup, including the 2024 Crystal Springs Rosé, the Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, several vintages of their Estate Cabernet, and I’m excited to explore the 2023 Mc-Gah Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc next — which I plan to open this Thanksgiving. Each wine showed a deep sense of place and purpose — structured, vibrant, and full of life.

The 2024 Crystal Springs Rosé is simply stunning — bright strawberry and cherry with a luscious, full nose that immediately draws you in. It’s 100% Cabernet Sauvignon aged six months on lees, which gives it that creamy, playful texture the winery describes as “whipped cream.” I’d call it more of a soft, lees-driven creaminess that makes perfect sense once you sip it. Notes of peach, melon, and mandarin orange linger beautifully on the finish. At about $40, it’s an absolute standout.

The 2021 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon is warm, inviting, and balanced, showing ripe berry fruit, spice, and that forest-floor depth Napa does so well. It’s approachable now but benefits from a bit of air — an ideal $95 bottle for anyone who appreciates indulgent, spice-tinged reds.

The 2019 Estate Cabernet Sauvignon, however, took things to another level — smooth, seductive, peppery, and polished, with layers of cooked purple fruit, cocoa, and graphite. A true powerhouse with structure and soul. Critics praised this vintage for its concentration and finesse, calling it one of Somnium’s best. By comparison, the 2021 Estate Cabernet is more precise and structured, while the 2022 shows lush fruit and early drinkability after a challenging heatwave vintage. All are absolutely outstanding and enjoyed with Light Hill Meats of course, because incredible wines call for incredible steaks and seafood.

For the upcoming 2023 Mc-Gah Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc, while I have yet to open the bottle, I’m eagerly anticipating a crisp, layered white that will bring a welcome brightness to the lineup — perfect for pairing with Thanksgiving fare or simply sipping as the start of a conversation about California whites you should be watching.

Across vintages, Somnium’s Estate Cabernets capture both the intensity and beauty of Howell Mountain fruit. The 2019 shows graceful depth and aging potential, the 2021 stands out for its power and polish, and the 2022 charms with its fruit-forward, immediate appeal.

Even from afar, Somnium feels like a winery built on intention and heart — the kind of place that blends passion and perseverance into every bottle. As a sommelier, I’ve always dreamed of exploring more of California wine country, especially Napa Valley. It’s a region that continues to define excellence and inspiration, and one day, I hope to stand on that same hilltop Danica once did, tasting the dream she turned into reality.

Until then, these wines are a beautiful reminder that every dream begins with one inspired sip. Please pair responsibly!