Along the Napa Valley’s Oakville bench and extending over an alluvial fan at the foot of the Mayacamas Range, the site is exceptional for grape growing.

The soil is composed of deep, gravelly, clay loam and is particularly well-suited to growing Cabernet Sauvignon.

Since the acquisition, Christian Moueix and his team have pursued an in-depth understanding of the soil and microclimate and have undertaken a lengthy and meticulous vineyard restoration.

Dry farming, the foundation of Ulysses’ sustainable farming practices, enhances root depth and resistance to drought, resulting in a wine that is a pure expression of its terroir.

ULYSSES IS A RESULT
OF CHRISTIAN MOUEIX’S
ONGOING QUEST

to explore the unique character  and quality of an exceptional terroir and to translate its specificity in a wine. His is a journey that began in Bordeaux and continues today in the Napa Valley.

Son of the famed Bordeaux wine merchant Jean-Pierre Moueix, Christian was born in Libourne, France. Having studied viticulture at University of California, Davis, his career has been notable by his introducing numerous vineyard practices, once considered revolutionary and now widely employed by most top chateaux. Today, along with Dominus Estate and Ulysses Vineyard in Napa Valley, he and his son, Edouard, produce wine from eight family chateaux in Pomerol and Saint Emilion.

Christian is driven by his zealous pursuit of perfection and his belief in stewardship. His 45-year career has earned him recognition as one of wine’s great visionaries. With deep interests in history, art and literature, Christian interprets the classic tale of Ulysses’ voyage as an epic journey and a lesson in humility. The story evokes commitment, passion and the passage of time, all elements essential to our understanding of a vineyard and its potential to produce great wines.