Open: Year-round
Winemaker and proprietor, Csaba Szakal, is a fourth generation winemaker from Hungary. He has a deep passion for Cabernets of high elevation sites in the Napa Valley: Diamond Mountain District, Mount Veeder and Howell Mountain. His soft side expressed in his love for elegant cool climate Pinot Noirs and currently sourcing fruit from four different coastal vineyards including the famed Green Valley.
Csaba was raised in the vineyard and learned the trade from his father and grandfather. His talent and interest in mathematics and economy made him rebel against family traditions and he become a computer engineer. His career brought him to the Silicone Valley where he met his future wife Sandy. She grew up in the heart of Sonoma wine country and she introduced Csaba to her "friends with grapes". They made the first few vintages in their garage and after many awards and gold medals in amateur wine competitions and encouragements from family and friends Csaba finally come to his senses. He reached back to his roots by giving up his career in computers and do what he was truly was meant to do on Earth: making wine. They together decided to make the leap of faith and established En Garde Winery. Their inaugural wine was the 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon from the top of the Diamond Mountain that received 95 points and CELLAR SELECTION from Wine Enthusiast Magazine. Csaba is dedicated to seek out the best regions and growers for the grape varietals and produce small lot wines at the highest possible quality.
