DOWN TO EARTH

ANDY ERICKSON AND ANNIE FAVIA, THE HUSBANDWIFE TEAM BEHIND FAVIA WINES, ARE WRITING THEIR OWN STORY WHILE REVIVING A PIECE OF NAPA HISTORY

- AARON ROMANO

Passing through the nondescript gate to Favia Erickson Winegrowers in Coombsville, a short drive east from downtown Napa, the landscape is not typical of the grand wineries along Napa’s main arteries.

Instead, the 6.5-acre property is a pastoral postcard where native California plants such as coyote bush, Carpenteria and bay trees sprawl amid old, knobby walnut trees and olive groves. A flourishing vegetable garden sits in front of a restored Victorian home and is the property’s focal point, with the tail end of the Vaca mountain range encircling the view. This is home for winemaker Andy Erickson and viticulturist Annie Favia, both Napa Valley veterans, and the property reflects their love of growing and creating things beyond wine.

The husband-and-wife team launched their Favia brand in 2003 from the basement of their thenhome in St. Helena, Calif. During their 25plus years in Napa Valley, they have, sometimes simultaneously, worked with some of the area’s top wineries and vineyards, including Screaming Eagle, Harlan, Corison, Abreu, Staglin and Colgin. Erickson still consults for several wineries, including benchmark estates such as Mayacamas and Dalla Valle, while their own Favia offerings have become some of the most distinctive and highly rated wines in Napa.

Their story is not limited to the list of places they’ve been. For many, Erickson’s and Favia’s impressive résumés would be a life’s accomplishment, but it’s just the beginning for this dynamic couple. “A long time ago, we looked at each other and realized there was an opportunity to put our heads down and work hard and focus on us,” says Favia.