Precision Over Production: The Art of Quality Winemaking.

Lerner Project is a boutique, high-end winery located in Napa Valley, California, founded by Stu and Karen Lerner. After spending decades supplying wooden pallets to some of the most prestigious wineries in the region—such as Silver Oak, Robert Mondavi, and Opus One—Stu Lerner developed a deep appreciation for fine wine and eventually transitioned from collector to vintner. Following his retirement in 2014, he launched Lerner Project with the goal of crafting limited-production wines that reflect his personal taste and standards. He partnered with celebrated winemaker Russell Bevan, known for his bold style and multiple 100-point wines, to bring this vision to life.

Lerner Project sources fruit from some of Napa Valley’s most revered vineyards, including their own estate site, Armstrong Ranch. Located high in the hills above Calistoga in the Diamond Mountain AVA, Armstrong Ranch is a rugged, volcanic site planted to Clone 6 Cabernet Sauvignon. The vineyard was originally established in the early 1980s by Dick Steltzner and features steep, terraced slopes and soils rich in obsidian and diatomaceous earth—ideal for producing structured, age-worthy wines. In addition to the estate, Lerner Project works with other distinguished vineyards including Tench in Oakville, Sage Ridge Vineyard on Pritchard Hill and Sugarloaf Ranch in southern Napa.

Lerner Project wines are produced in very limited quantities and are primarily available through a mailing list allocation. Tastings and visits to the estate are private and by appointment only, emphasizing the exclusive and personal nature of the brand. Each wine reflects Stu Lerner’s philosophy of hands-on craftsmanship, site expression, and uncompromising quality. With its small scale, prestigious vineyard sources, and the expertise of Russell Bevan, Lerner Project stands out as a serious player in the world of ultra-premium Napa Valley wine.

Lerner Project places a strong emphasis on quality over quantity. In keeping with this philosophy, the winemaking team made the deliberate decision to forgo bottling any wines from the 2022 vintage that did not meet their exacting standards. Rather than compromise, they chose to bottle only the wines that truly exemplified the character and excellence they strive for. Additionally, they opted to extend bottle aging by an extra year prior to release, allowing each wine to fully develop and express its best attributes upon release.

To find out more about the Lerner Project visit their website.