Behind the Wines

Elan Fayard, Proprietor

Elan has a wide-ranging international background which encompasses oenology, gastronomy, tourism and journalism. Originally from the Bay Area, Elan followed her interest in wine which led to studies in Bordeaux and Provence, France.

In addition to producing premium wines for her labels Azur and Empreinte, Elan also operates her direct to consumer wine consulting business, Elan Fayard Consulting, and most recently founded Luminous Retreats, wellness retreats in Napa Valley, www.luminousretreats.com.

Elan settled in Napa Valley after stints in Willamette Valley, Oregon and France. She is the mother to three children and lives in a historic farmhouse she renovated in the Coombsville appellation. She is featured in the book Wine Country Women of Napa.

“Wine is a dance between vineyard, climate and grape expression, influenced by the hands of the maker. My intention is to bring out the best qualities that the vines have provided. It is not to seek to make a style of wine but more so to make wine that sings of its place, it's history and its uniqueness. That's the goal, to make wines that are pure expressions of their environment. Wines with an identity.”

—Proprietor, Elan Fayard

Our Growers

Great wine starts in the vineyards. It is the very root to producing exceptional wines. We have built long standing relationships with our growers who tend to the vineyards and the land to nurture the fruit that goes into each bottle we produce. This is our unwavering commitment, to work with our partner growers in order to make every sip a true testament to quality winemaking.

The vineyards where we grow our fruit are amongst the most coveted vineyards in Napa Valley. No detail is spared in order to produce the highest quality wines. Quality wine is a reflection of the details every step of the process from soil to bottle.