Nicole Marchesi

Winemaker | Far Niente

Nicole Marchesi, winemaker at Far Niente, has been a driving force behind the continued evolution of the winery’s renowned Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon programs. Her journey into winemaking began serendipitously at UC Davis when an assignment for the school newspaper introduced her to Viticulture and Enology professors. This unexpected encounter led her to shift from biology to winemaking, setting her on a path to becoming only the fourth winemaker in Far Niente’s distinguished history.

Nicole’s career reflects a perfect balance of scientific precision and creative intuition. Before joining Far Niente as an enologist in 2005, she gained experience working in Sonoma County and New Zealand, sharpening her winemaking skills across diverse terroirs. Her rapid ascent within the winery saw her promoted to assistant winemaker, and by 2009, she took the helm as head winemaker. Nicole’s intimate understanding of the winery’s vineyard sites, combined with her unwavering commitment to excellence, allows her to craft wines that are true reflections of Napa Valley’s terroir.