Seven years later, in 2010, the doors of the estate opened, with lunch prepared by award-winning chef Thomas Keller from his famous Bouchon restaurant and beautifully paired with the perfect Kenzo Estate wines.
In 1960, I began my career in Japan as an entrepreneur in one of the most controversial, exciting and innovative industries of our day — gaming. With a sharp focus on originality and invention, my company, Capcom Co. Ltd., quickly rose to the top, becoming one of the leading game developers and publishers of our time. My strategy was to produce products that would not only cater to the specific desires of the gaming audience but also surprise them as well. I enlisted some of the most talented game developers and designers and worked to create some of the most contentious, profitable and ground-breaking games of the century, including Space Invaders, Mega Man, Street Fighter II and Resident Evil, some of which became huge Hollywood productions. As a true businessman and entrepreneur, however, I wanted my company to keep growing, changing and innovating.
In 1990, I came to Silicon Valley, Calif. to expand my lucrative gaming business to the United States and, in the process, fell in love with the beautiful, cascading hills of wine country, Napa Valley. Shortly after, I bought an elegant estate, located on Mt. George in Napa, with the dream to create a sophisticated winery with some of the most refined wines in the country. My desire was to combine skillfully crafted wines from the purest vineyards with a beautiful Japanese artistry and aesthetic. I wanted to inspire joy, passion and comfort in all of my guests. To help complete this vision, I hired David Abreu, the vineyard manager, in 2001, and Heidi Barret, the consulting winemaker, in 2003. Seven years later, in 2010, the doors of the estate opened, with lunch prepared by award-winning chef Thomas Keller from his famous Bouchon restaurant and beautifully paired with the perfect Kenzo Estate wines.
The estate, which consists of a winery and hospitality center, was designed by famous architect, Backen Gillam. It’s located on an elevation of approximately 1,550 feet and encompasses almost 4,000 acres, 70 of which are used for the vineyard. The remaining land is untouched.
The quality of the land surrounding the estate surpasses all other vineyards I have seen, ensuring that all of my wines are produced from the finest estate-grown grapes. I take pride in my work, making sure that every detail is tended to with the utmost consideration. As chairman of my gaming company, Capcom, I strive to bring excellence in business and innovation to the every day workings of the winery.
In addition to my passion for wine and business with the estate, I am also a member of the Japanese government council and a director of the Association of Copyright for Computer Software, where I play an important role in the protection of intellectual property.
My estate is located at 3200 Monticello Road in Napa and is open from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. seven days a week. Wine tastings are available by appointment only. To make an appointment, call 707.259.5408.
Kenzo Estate
3200 Monticello Road
Napa, CA 94558
877.977.7704
Cover Story
April 16, 2011The Brothers Cipriani
