ABOUT

Copper Bear is the passion project of Napa Valley Winemaker Jesse Giacomelli, a limited production winery handcrafting small lot Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon from some of the most prized vineyards in the world. 

Copper Bear Winemaker Inspecting Grapes from the Vineyard

Jesse serves as Winemaker for Beckstoffer Vineyards in Rutherford, working with many of Napa Valley’s most revered properties. Copper Bear is his personal project, an opportunity to work in tiny volumes with a level of attention that only small-scale winemaking allows.

Bottle of Copper Bear 2019 red wine

The wines are sourced from exceptional sites, including Beckstoffer Heritage vineyards, where gravelly loam soils, distinct microclimates, and meticulous farming produce Cabernet Sauvignon with depth and structure.

With fewer than 500 cases produced each year, the approach stays hands-on, resulting in wines that are balanced, expressive, and built to age.

Hands holding a cluster of juicy wine grapes

Jesse has been making wine for over 15 years, with experience in Napa, Sonoma, and internationally in Argentina. He has trained under several world renown winemakers, including Consulting Winemakers Benoit Touquette and Aaron Pott. He earned his Master's Degree in Viticulture & Enology at UC Davis. 

“Jesse is crafting beautifully balanced, complex, clean, and modern Napa Valley wines…I found this to be among the most promising small wineries anywhere in the valley, not only for the sourcing but also the talent and the execution – the wines are lovely.”

-Jim Silver, Wine Journalist, 4/7/25

Copper Bear is undoubtedly a winery to watch, emerging as one of the most compelling new projects in Napa Valley. As Copper Bear continues to expand its portfolio, it has become increasingly evident that the winery represents more than just exceptional winemaking—it stands as a symbol of a new era in Napa Valley, where tradition and innovation are seamlessly woven together in every bottle.

-International Wine Report, 9/5/25

Want to experience the wines for yourself? Join our allocation list to be notified of new releases. We keep it simple, no mass emails, just a heads-up when it’s time to share the latest vintage.