Napa Valley Wines With a Fresh and Fun Perspective
Meet the Napa vintners bringing together vineyard-driven winemaking, a relaxed approach to wine culture, and a new generation of drinkers.
Napa Valley has never lacked beautiful vineyards, prestigious Cabernet Sauvignons, or tasting rooms that make drinking wine a getaway in itself. But a new generation of winemakers is crafting wines that keep Napa’s quality while offering a less intimidating way to enjoy them.
Our most recent discovery is Olet’te Vineyards, founded by vintner Jenny Lynn, whose work has expanded to include the newer Mouthfeel Wines. The two labels offer an interesting perspective on contemporary Napa winemaking: one rooted in small-production, vineyard-focused wines, the other designed to make wine feel more accessible, sociable, and fun.
And if you’re planning a Napa Valley getaway, both provide a good reason to explore beyond the region’s biggest and most familiar wine estates.
A vintner with a sense of place—and fun!
Jenny Lynn is a first-generation wine producer who has built her career around Napa Valley and the belief that excellent wine begins in the vineyard but that it should be accessible to non-experts.
She graduated from California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo (Cal Poly) with a bachelor’s degree in Wine Business and Viticulture, followed by a master’s degree in Global Wine Marketing. She has experience in viticulture, vineyard sourcing, winemaking, sales, and brand development.
In 2011, she co-founded Olet’te Vineyards, with an ambition to produce wines that expressed the character of exceptional individual vineyards. The emphasis was on small production, sustainably farmed sites, carefully selected grapes and wines that allowed their origins to speak for themselves.
The Olet’te portfolio has included sparkling wine, Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon. Its Blanc de Blancs sparkling received particular recognition, including selection for the 2020 Academy Awards. We were lucky enough to try the 2025 Reserve Brut Rosé—delicious! If the goal is to produce wines with elegance, balance, and a clear sense of identity, she has succeeded!
Lynn later developed Tribe & Arrow, another Napa-focused label featuring single-vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon from distinctive appellations such as Diamond Mountain and Oak Knoll.
Olet’te’s winery operation in the St. Helena area. The most convenient public-facing destination is the Olet’te downtown tasting room at 1031 McKinstry Street, Napa, CA 94559. This is a downtown tasting room open to the public, but contact the winery or book ahead rather than simply turning up. Visit the website at Olet’te Vineyards or book an Olet’te tasting on Tock. You can also call 707-927-5688 or email info@olettewines.com.
Mouthfeel Wines: serious winemaking without the snobbery
If Olet’te represents Lynn’s more traditional, vineyard-led approach, Mouthfeel is where she and her winemaking partner, Kevin Mills, are deliberately challenging some of the conventions of the wine industry.
Launched in 2026, Mouthfeel was born out of a shared observation: wine is too serious and intimidating. Lynn and Mills wanted to create something that would appeal to people who enjoy good wine but don’t necessarily want to learn a new vocabulary, understand complicated appellation systems, or feel they need a sommelier’s approval before ordering a bottle. Their philosophy is summed up in their slogan: “Real Wine. No Funny Business.”
The branding may be playful but the emphasis is on clean, balanced wines, lower alcohol levels, freshness and texture, without unnecessary additives or excessive intervention.
These winemakers pick grapes earlier to retain natural acidity and fresh fruit character, ferment at cooler temperatures to preserve aromatics, and favor a lighter-handed approach in the cellar. They also incorporate organic and biodynamic farming practices where possible. The wines are finished dry, with zero residual sugar.
Two mouthfeels
St. Helena Albariño: A white wine that brings a fresh, aromatic alternative to the more familiar Napa Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc. It is particularly interesting because Albariño is more commonly associated with Spain’s Atlantic coast. This wine is a wonderful aperitif, but it’s especially good served ice-cold with a dozen oysters!
Napa Valley Reserve Red Blend: A red designed around balance, texture, and immediate drinking pleasure, rather than simply chasing power or high alcohol. We loved this with pepperoni pizza and pasta in red sauce.
While Napa has spent decades building its reputation for luxury and prestige, younger drinkers shouldn’t feel excluded from the wine world. Here, it’s made easy: a white and a red!
Mills brings the technical winemaking experience, while Lynn brings the entrepreneurial energy, marketing instincts, and understanding of how wine can connect with contemporary consumers. Mouthfeel uses bold, colorful, 1990s-inspired branding, with an irreverent personality that feels more at home at a music festival or dinner party than in a traditional wine collector’s cellar.
Mouthfeel Subscription & Napa Social Club
If you decide to subscribe to the Mouthfeel Social Club & Wine Subscription, you get the wines delivered to your door when you want them. Plus, you receive access to member benefits, 4 member-only locations, and events nationwide. Find out more at mouthfeelwine.com.
Visiting Napa and where to stay
A visit to Olet’te provides an excellent excuse to turn a tasting into a longer Napa Valley escape. There are several outstanding properties, depending on whether you want a romantic hillside retreat, a contemporary luxury resort or somewhere within walking distance of downtown Napa. This time, we’d like to promote an LGBTQ-owned property. Located in a beautifully restored 1906 mansion at 1301 Jefferson Street in downtown Napa is The Charles Napa Valley. Its appeal includes:
- An intimate eight-room property.
- Stylish, individually designed accommodation.
- A courtyard with gardens and outdoor spaces.
- Daily breakfast and afternoon wine-and-cheese refreshments.
- A central location within walking distance of downtown Napa restaurants and wine-tasting venues.
- A deliberately LGBTQ+-affirming atmosphere.
Designed by hospitality veteran Charles Gruwell, the artfully designed, inclusive inn blends historic charm with sophisticated interiors, curated artwork, and a welcoming atmosphere that celebrates diversity, creativity, and connection. If you’re planning to visit during the Napa Pride festivities in June, you will no doubt find that The Charles Napa Valley will host some festivities such as a Pride Drag Brunch, which they did last year.
“Our goal is to provide stylish, welcoming hospitality experiences that make every guest feel seen, valued, and at home,” said Gruwell. “Napa Valley has long been a destination for travelers from around the world, and we’re excited to contribute to the region’s growing culture of inclusivity and belonging.”
Napa Valley’s LGBTQ+ presence continues to expand. Gay-owned wineries such as Gentleman Farmer Wines have helped lead the way, pairing exceptional winemaking with philanthropic support for LGBTQ+ causes. The broader Napa Valley region has also seen increasing support for LGBTQ+ events, organizations, and travelers, reflecting the area’s welcoming culture and close ties to the Bay Area’s diverse communities. Local Pride celebrations continue to grow each year, attracting visitors from across California and beyond.
For more information about The Charles Napa Valley, go to the hotel’s official website at thecharlesnapavalley.com.
And while you’re in Napa Valley you can visit several queer-owned and LGBTQ+-supportive businesses, including:
- The Bungalow by Gentleman Farmer: An intimate food and wine experience hosted by vintners Joey Wołosz and Jeff Durham. Their ticketed meals bring together their own wines and home-cooked food in a European-inspired setting.
- Q Restaurant & Bar: A popular downtown Napa gathering place with a connection to the LGBTQ+ community.
- Blue Water Day Spa: A wellness business owned by Kimberly McMaster and Veronica Samora.
These are worth considering as part of a wider LGBTQ+-focused Napa itinerary. Get more inspiration from the official tourism website here.
