United States · California

Heitz Cellar

Heitz Wine Cellars was established by Joe Heitz in 1961 in St Helena and became one of California's most historically significant Cabernet producers through the legendary Martha's Vineyard bottling. Joe Heitz purchased grapes from Tom and Martha May's 34-acre To Kalon-adjacent vineyard from 1966, producing a wine defined by the site's distinctive eucalyptus and mint character — likely attributable to a Eucalyptus globulus windbreak bordering the vineyard. Martha's Vineyard Cabernet from the 1970s and 1980s — particularly 1974, 1978, 1985, and 1987 — are among the most coveted California collectibles, routinely fetching $500–$3,000+ at auction. The estate also produces the Bella Oaks Vineyard Cabernet (purchased from Bella and Barney Rhodes from 1979) and Trailside Vineyard Cabernet. Joe Heitz died in 2000 and the family sold to Gavin Newsom's PlumpJack Group in 2021. Across 1,244 auction lots averaging $334 per bottle — driven heavily by Martha's Vineyard — Heitz remains a substantial auction category. The price floor reflects bulk lots; the ceiling reflects historic Martha's Vineyard verticals. Lot C-91 is a proprietary blend. The estate's legacy is particularly strong in Japanese auction markets, where vintage Heitz Martha's Vineyard is among the most traded California Cabernets.