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’s ethos is rooted in crafting small lot wines from Napa Valley’s historic vineyards, including several Beckstoffer Heritage properties. These vineyards have the ideal microclimates, gravelly loam soils, and precision viticulture to provide the ideal expression of Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon.
Copper Bear produces fewer than 500 cases per year, allowing for Jesse’s detailed, high touch winemaking. The resulting wines are elegant and lush, with softly textured tannins that will continue to mellow with age.
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, and currently works as Winemaker for Beckstoffer Vineyards in Rutherford, Napa Valley. 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
Copper Bear Wines was born from our family’s life in the vineyards. By day I serve as Winemaker at Beckstoffer Vineyards, guiding some of Napa Valley’s most historic sites. By night and weekend, Copper Bear is where I return to the cellar with my wife Jenna and our children, crafting small lots that carry our family’s fingerprints. We work in tiny volumes, sometimes just a few barrels, because we believe the best wines are personal. The kids help with punchdowns, Jenna leads our tastings, and every release is something we’d be proud to pour around our own table. These wines aren’t made to be everywhere. They’re made to be meaningful, a reflection of family, place, and craft, for the people who choose to be part of our journey.