Andretti Winery

In 1996, renowned racecar driver Mario Andretti got together with his longtime friend, Joe Antonini, the former Chairman/CEO of Kmart Corporation, to create something special. The two Italian-Americans chose fertile Napa Valley for the growing of premium grapes, with a view to celebrating their ethnic heritage through the production of fine wines. The result is Andretti Winery the focus of the speedster's second passion.

The property covers 52 acres and is modeled after a rambling Italian village, reminiscent of the owner's boyhood home. Produced here are Napa and other California varietals as well as a full-bodied Port and a signature sparkling wine. Samples are available daily in the winery's tasting room, which is open from 10am to 5pm. Flights of four Andretti wines with food pairings are priced at $12 per person, or $15 for five wines.

Membership is also offered in the AWG Wine Club, which currently numbers for than 2,000 members. Each of them receives a quarterly shipment of wines direct from the winery. Orders may also be placed online. Andretti Winery is located midway between Yountville and downtown Napa, just west of Highway 29 and the Silverado Trail. The address is 4162 Big Ranch Road, Napa, California 94558-1405.