A Napa Legacy Changes Hands: Calmére Estate Sells in $16.8 Million Deal

In a bold move, the Peju family has sold Calmére Estate Winery, a 100-acre property in Napa’s Carneros district, fetching $16.8 million in cash. The buyer remains unnamed, though industry insiders describe them as an overseas investor with broad ambitions in Wine Country.

Calmére isn’t just any parcel. The property includes 75 acres of vineyards, a 40,000-square-foot production facility, and importantly, hospitality and production entitlements that allow for generous wine volume (up to 250,000 gallons) and event hosting for up to 250 guests. These inherited permits make Calmére a rare “ready-to-go” winery in Napa.

A Bit of Calmére’s Story

The estate was once home to Acacia Winery, a pioneer in planting Chardonnay and Pinot Noir in Carneros. Over time, Acacia changed hands and declined, until the Pejus purchased it in 2016. They rebranded it “Calmére”—a name blending calme (calm) and mer (sea), pointing to its serene bay views.

Under the Peju stewardship, the property underwent significant revitalization: replantings, renovations of winery and tasting facilities, and a shift of some production from their Rutherford base. Calmére was conceived as a standalone project, distinct from Peju’s Bordeaux-style core brand, designed to explore cooler-climate varietals.

Why the Sale Makes Waves

This transaction signals more than a family redirecting its priorities. It spotlights how high-quality, hospitality-enabled wineries are still prized assets—even during a downturn in the wine business. The buyer’s willingness to invest in cash underscores confidence in Napa’s long-term value.

For Peju, stepping back from Calmére allows renewed focus on their signature identity: Cabernet Sauvignon in Rutherford and direct-to-consumer wine strategy. Calmére’s Pinot Noir and Chardonnay lines, while well-received, diverged stylistically from Peju’s Bordeaux heart.

The new buyer’s intent is to launch operations by offering custom-crush services, gradually expanding into international distribution, and eventually introducing their own wine brand. The scale and entitlements at Calmére provide substantial flexibility to do just that.

What to Watch

• The 2026 vintage will be the first fully under new direction; watch for shifts in style, especially in oak, fruit expression, and balance.
• How the new owner handles the custom-crush model—whether Calmére becomes a hub for local winemakers or focuses on its own label.
• Will hospitality offerings (tasting rooms, events) be emphasized or scaled back? Napa’s visitor traffic is a key revenue driver.
• Whether the buyer continues acquiring more vineyard properties in Napa or Sonoma—the broker already hinted at expansion plans.