Carne Humana

Before Napa, There was Carne Humana

Prior to Napa becoming a county and even before California was a state, a vast rancho called Carne Humana encompassed the stretch of Napa Valley from Rutherford north to Calistoga. Present-day maps exclude any lines or other references to it, but there remains indisputable logic to its historic boundaries.

Our Story

The story of Edward Bale and his Grist Mill

Edward Bale

Still standing is a mill built by Edward Bale on the original Carne Humana rancho. Today Bale’s Grist Mill is the centerpiece of a state historic park located in the Napa Valley between St. Helena and Calistoga.

Why has the original rancho of Carne Humana remained nearly exclusively agricultural, despite its proximity to the bustling San Francisco metro? In 1968, some foresighted vintners and grape growers successfully petitioned the federal government to have Napa Valley protected as an agricultural preserve. Today the barn owl, as depicted on the top of our capsule, continues to make its home here just as it did in Edward Bale’s day.

Stories abound, but no one seems sure why Edward Bale named his rancho ‘Carne Humana’, which in Spanish means ‘human flesh.’

California’s original ranchos were measured in leagues rather than acres. The unwieldy-sounding acre count of Carne Humana—17,962—translates to a much simpler four leagues.

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2014 Carne Humana Red Wine

Rich and dense with flavors of dark berry fruit, Bing cherry, smoky bacon and black pepper.

$36.00 / Bottle

$30.60 Club Price

$388.80 / Case

$367.20 Club Price

2015 Carne Humana White Wine

Crisp and dry with bright pear and citrus flavors, tropical highlights and a creamy mouthfeel that leads to a long bright finish.

$24.00 / Bottle

$20.40 Club Price

$259.20 / Case

$244.80 Club Price

Our Wines

Our Historic Regions

The days in Calistoga are warm to hot, with temperatures that drop dramatically overnight. The heat contributes vivid color and vibrant flavor, while cool nights ensure bright acidity and structure. The most common grape varieties grown here are heat-loving reds including Zinfandel and Syrah.

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Heat reflecting off hillsides bordering St. Helena—along with less fog and wind—result in warm days. Elevations span 150 to 500 feet. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah and Zinfandel are the most prevalent grape types, with wines characterized by rich, deep flavors and firm tannins.

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Though Rutherford can be influenced by cool morning fog from San Pablo Bay, its climate is moderately warm. Elevations extend from 100 to 500 feet. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Zinfandel are widely planted. Wines are ripe, full and firm, with supple tannins.

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The Club

Our Bulletin

Check out the latest news, recipes, upcoming events, and blog posts from our winemakers Joe Wagner and Derek Beitler – it’s where we keep the good stuff.

News & Events

Barbecued Pork Spareribs

Corn Tortillas

Impress your friends with home-made corn tortillas. Easy to make and so much better than store-bought, especially when filled with spicy beans or grilled fish and a home-made salsa!

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Sweet-and-Sour Tomato Relish

Step back to the bygone era before kitchens had freezers, vegetables from the family garden that couldn’t be eaten fresh were often jarred as relish.

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Chile Con Carne

This recipe is perfect for a hungry crowd of family or friends! If you like your chili hot, just add more cayenne pepper and don’t forget to garnish with your favorite toppings like grated Monterey Jack or Cheddar Cheeses, Cilantro or Sour Cream.

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Grilled Fish Tacos

These warm Indian Summer days in Napa call for lunch or dinner outside with friends. What better way to enjoy, than grilling some fish, cracking a bottle of chilled white wine and enjoying a taco or three.

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Barbecued Pork Spareribs

This simple sauce is sweet and mildly spicy. Slather it on barbecued pork spareribs or other grilled meats and pair with Carne Humana Red Wine for a match made in heaven!

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History Preserved

History is important us at Carne Humana. It defines who we are and where we came from. Over the years our winemaker, Joe, and his family have collected maps of California as a symbol of our heritage. Take a look at our collection – you might see something new.

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“The practice of co-fermentation is what makes Carne Humana wines really special.”

Genuine Napa Valley Blends

Before Napa, There was Carne Humana

The story of Edward Bale and his Grist Mill

Edward Bale

2014 Carne Humana Red Wine

2015 Carne Humana White Wine

Pure Napa Valley

Our Historic Regions

The Club of the Region

A Club for the Mavericks

Inspired by Generations Past

Our Bulletin

Napa Valley Film Festival

Corn Tortillas

4th Annual Calistoga Harvest Table

Sweet-and-Sour Tomato Relish

Co-Fermentation: The Roots of California Winemaking

Chile Con Carne

Grilled Fish Tacos

Barbecued Pork Spareribs

Experience
Intensity
Tradition Derek Beitler | Joe Wagner

Corn Tortillas

Sweet-and-Sour Tomato Relish

Chile Con Carne

Grilled Fish Tacos

Barbecued Pork Spareribs

History Preserved

Derek Beitler