A piece of Napa Valley’s storied wine history is up for grabs — at a price that’s anything but “Two-Buck Chuck.”
The Benessere Vineyards estate, steeped in the legacy of the original Charles Shaw winery, has hit the market for $35 million.
The Northern California estate is where Shaw first produced his wines, including the vintage known as “Two-Buck Chuck,” so nicknamed for its budget $2 price tag at Trader Joe’s.
The winery is now an upscale operation.
“Encompassed by vineyards and the organic landscape of the Napa River, the agrarian setting is unrivaled, offering everything wine country often promises, but rarely delivers,” reads the listing.
The St. Helena estate sprawls over 43 picturesque acres, complete with 6,300 square feet of living space, eight bedrooms and nine bathrooms.
But it’s more than just a stunning estate; it’s a nod to Napa’s past and a testament to a transformation that took decades.
“The desirable up-valley location is convenient and buffered from the well-traveled Highway 29 and Silverado Trail, at the end of a bucolic country lane,” the listing notes.
And it’s true: nestled away on Big Tree Road, this property feels worlds away from the bustling wine trails, yet is strategically placed for access.
Charles F. Shaw laid the groundwork for this fabled spot in 1974, producing award-winning Gamay wines before financial turmoil led to its bankruptcy in 1990.
The Benish family stepped in, purchasing the land — though not the brand — and renamed it Benessere Vineyards.
A new chapter began when Fred Franzia of Bronco Wine Co. scooped up the Shaw brand for just $27,000 during bankruptcy proceedings and forever changed the supermarket wine landscape.
In 2002, the bargain basement “Two-Buck Chuck” debuted at Trader Joe’s, gaining a cult following and casting a long shadow over the original estate’s legacy. Benessere, however, has carved out its own identity since John and Ellen Benish purchased the property for $1.529 million in 1994.
With meticulous care, they revived the land, producing their first sangiovese vintage by 1995 and eventually adding an array of Italian varieties like pinot grigio, falanghina, and nero d’Avola.
According to the listing, the property is primed for a new owner to step in and continue operations, whether by moving an existing wine brand or creating a new one.
The estate includes a vineyard, winery and permitted tasting room, along with the single-family residences.
Notably, the listing highlights that the winery’s entitlements are “pre-WDO,” referencing Napa County’s 1990 Winery Definition Ordinance; permits granted before this regulation are typically far less restrictive than those issued today.
Jamie Spratling and Kevin McDonald with Sotheby’s International Realty hold the listing.