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piece of Napa Valley's wine history is on the market for $35 million, a price that's a far cry from the "Two-Buck Chuck" moniker made famous by Charles Shaw wines.
The Benessere Vineyards estate, where Shaw first produced his wines in the 1970s, has been transformed into an upscale operation. The property spans 43 acres and features 6,300 square feet of living space, eight bedrooms, and nine bathrooms.
Nestled on Big Tree Road, the estate offers a serene retreat from the bustling wine trails while still providing convenient access to Highway 29 and Silverado Trail. After Charles Shaw's original winery went bankrupt in 1990, John and Ellen Benish purchased the property in 1994 and turned it into a boutique winery specializing in Italian varietals.
The estate's history is closely tied to the rise of "Two-Buck Chuck," which was sold at Trader Joe's for just $2. However, Fred Franzia's acquisition of the Charles Shaw brand in 2002 marked a significant shift, and Benessere Vineyards has since carved out its own identity by producing a range of Italian wines.
The property is now listed with Jamie Spratling and Kevin McDonald of Sotheby's International Realty, who highlight that the winery's entitlements are "pre-WDO," making it an attractive opportunity for a new owner to continue operations or start anew.
