Anybody who has ever had the distinctive pleasure of visiting any of the Boisset Assortment’s spectacular array of vineyard estates, tasting rooms, and different properties possible by no means forgot it, particularly if they’re used to the usually straight-laced and staid world of wine. Sumptuously adorned and oozing panache, these properties transport guests into a unique universe the place model and artwork intersect.
That is because of Jean-Charles Boisset, its charismatic and progressive chief. Half showman, half designer, and half visionary, he has overseen the aggressive enlargement of the Boisset Assortment over the previous few a long time since assuming the helm from his father, the founder. In the present day, it is among the world’s main family-owned luxurious wine firms, with over forty properties and types in France (Boisset’s homeland) and California. Its assortment of wines bridges the hole between the Outdated and New Worlds of wine.
So, when JCB, as Boisset is often referred to as, introduced in 2021 that he was buying the Calistoga Depot in Napa Valley, California’s second-oldest prepare station, many puzzled what he had in thoughts. Over the past decade, his firm has purchased and renovated a number of different regional historic constructions, together with the Ink Home, Oakville Grocery Retailer, and the Elizabeth Spencer Vineyard. Every has stayed true to its roots whereas being wholly reimagined.
“I’ve liked the Napa Valley since I first visited once I was eleven on a visit from France with my father. That is a part of why we have now such a powerful presence right here; I’m pushed to attach each the Outdated and New World,” says JCB. “Preserving historic buildings by reimagining them for the fashionable world excites me. In each construction we have now purchased, we respect its previous whereas injecting a few of that magic that the Boisset Assortment is thought for; I feel it is the very best of each worlds ultimately.”
From the surface, the Calistoga Depot constructing’s white clapboard siding and rows of refurbished prepare vehicles do not trace on the glitz and glamour awaiting inside. Visiting the ability is like following Alice down the Rabbit Gap. One thing completely different awaits at every flip.
The facility homes the entire accouterments one would count on in Napa Valley. There may be Depot Provisions, a traditional wine nation market and bistro, a beer backyard, and a chocolate store, however that is the place the norm ends.
Half of the primary depot constructing now homes a distillery and tasting room for the most recent providing from the Boisset Assortment, the Calistoga Depot Distillery. Launched in 2023, it joins an increasing portfolio of super-premium spirits manufacturers for the Boisset. Beneath a hovering roof at a substantial horseshoe bar, guests can pattern 4 manufacturers (Affluent & Penniless, The Calistoga Star, Fame & Misfortune, and The First Millionaire) that pay homage to Sam Brannan. He was the person behind California’s Gold Rush and the depot builder.
Made in partnership with a number of well-known distillers, the manufacturers provide the Boisset Assortment a foothold within the blazing premium whiskey market, together with high-end gin and brandy choices. They be a part of their not too long ago launched ultra-premium Tequila model, Casa Obsidiana, and the French-based JCB Spirits, which affords premium cognac, vodka, and gin.
Solely as soon as guests step into the prepare vehicles are they totally immersed on this planet of Bossiet. Every uniquely adorned automobile serves as its personal showpiece for the Boisset universe. There may be the Casa Obsidiana Automotive that appears like a hacienda from the land of tequila, Jalisco, Mexico. The Parlor Automotive is swathed in cool blues. It serves native oysters, caviar, and small plates paired with Boisset Assortment champagnes and wines. The red-hued First Millionaire Saloon automobile resembles an previous west bar from the longer term and pours Calistoga Depot Distillery cocktails.
All through the ability, guests really feel immersed up to now and totally enmeshed within the current. It’s one more reclaimed gem within the Boisset Assortment’s crown. As one of many extra avant-garde wine homes on this planet, it ought to slot in properly amongst all of their splendid choices. Its founder would have it no different approach.
“What we have now accomplished with the Calistoga Depot is unbelievable. We took a lovely previous historic constructing and breathed new life into it,” says JCB. “Within the course of, we created one thing wholly distinctive for the area. We constructed one thing that enables guests to totally immerse themselves in unbelievable meals, wine, beer, and spirits. Every is obtainable in an surroundings in contrast to any they’ve seen earlier than. I’m excited to share my and my group’s imaginative and prescient with everybody, and I hope all find it irresistible.”