Since opening to customers in 2018, Theorem Vineyards & Winery has been turning heads, both for its world-class wine and its ever-changing architecture. Kisha and Jason Itkin bought the legendary Diamond Mountain property (formerly owned by San Francisco surgeon Richard Beverly Cole) in 2012, and because the buildings had fallen into disrepair, it took six years to open to the public – after the restoration of the victorian house and school, the cellar building, built from scratch, allowed the official exit party. The Itkins took their time every step of the way, and it was worth it. Now, with the completion of the Tasting Barn this month, Theorem has come full circle and cemented its leadership position in luxury wine and hospitality, which is no small feat in Napa Valley. From the start, the Itkins partnered with architect Richard Beard, whose aesthetic vision both pays homage to the past and brings the property fully into a minimalist 21st century grandeur that aligns with the concept of offering private and tailor-made experiences for wine lovers.

Tasting experiences are organized around the preferences and needs of each group (and are, of course, by advance reservation only). There are several tasting areas, each glorious in their own way, and the barn is the newest addition to the various offerings. The property also now has a full-time culinary genius in the person of Chef Josh Mitchell, who can prepare wine pairings for tastings, as well as create custom menus for special events.

Something of a progressive tasting experience is in the works, with guests being greeted with a drink on arrival, followed by a tour of the winery and barrel room, then seated in the tasting barn where a full experience of talents of winemaker Kathleen Ward will ensue. Theorem Cabernet Sauvignons are supple, elegant, confident, concentrated and deep, and the team also produces top-tier Sauvignon Blancs, Chardonnays, Merlots and Syrahs, all in very small production. The original style was developed by Thomas Rivers Brown, with Ward as assistant winemaker, but Ward was recently promoted to winemaker and will provide seamless continuity in the ongoing production of these already classic Diamond Mountain and Moon Mountain wines.

And while Beard is best known for residential design, it turns out he also has a penchant for approaching historically sensitive structures with the care they require and deserve – as is the case with Tasting. Barn at Theorem, which sits precisely on the site of the original 19th century dairy barn – unused due to its condition, it finally gave up the ghost a few years ago, collapsing in dramatic fashion – and the team was granted permission to reconstruct on the same footprint. It’s a win for historic preservation and a win for winery visitors.

Working in tandem with the Itkins and interior designer Nicholas Proietti, Beard set out to reinvent the barn. In an interview when the barn made its media debut, Beard said, “It was satisfying to bring these humble, elegant buildings back into use. Although there were all sorts of unforeseen challenges, whenever I consulted Kisha and Jason about a major decision, they always did the right thing. There was never any conflict about what these spaces offered us. The collaborative harmony is palpable in every aspect, from the exterior 10-inch cedar planks painted in a historic burnt red color to the grand Dutch front doors and graceful wraparound porch with mesmerizing views of Mount St. Palisades mountain range. And Proietti searched high and low for the right interior accents, the crown jewel of which is perhaps a 100-year-old bronze safe door that is right at home here as a sliding door for the hall. actual tasting.

It’s a perfect setting to celebrate these worthy wines in their place of origin, and it’s a wonderful Calistoga addition to the realm of elevated tasting experiences in Napa Valley.