History of Kenzo Estate Napa Valley

Kenzo Tsujimoto first achieved success as the founder of Capcom, a Japanese developer and publisher of video games. During that time, he became enchanted with the Napa Valley after the historic 1976 Judgment of Paris, which launched Napa Valley wines onto the world stage.

As Capcom’s business expanded into the United States, Kenzo sought a serene location to offer an outdoor alternative to the company’s indoor electronic sporting business. His affinity for California wine country and vision to build an outdoor retreat led him to a 3,800-acre mountain valley in Napa’s southeast corner.

In 1990, Capcom purchased the land. However, the business plans fell through and Kenzo ultimately purchased the property from the company, thus beginning the story of Kenzo Estate.

Kenzo Estate’s philosophy focuses on a natural winemaking process.

Five times the size of New York’s Central Park, Kenzo’s precious parcel was the site of an equestrian center, which had also served as the training grounds for the U.S. Equestrian Team.

The land attracted local vintners with is sprawling acreage, natural water sources and unique terroir. Kenzo and his wife, Natsuko, along with wine industry friends such as the late, legendary Robert Mondavi, mutually recognized great potential to cultivate the land to vineyard.

In 1998, vineyard development began with the first rootstock of Bordeaux varietals planted in 1999. Two years later, Kenzo Estate harvested grapes. Although wine was made from the fruit, the vintage was never released.

In 2001, Kenzo met famed viticulturist David Abreu who engineered vineyards for premier wineries such as Screaming Eagle, Harlan Estate and Colgin Cellars. He proposed that the two work together to grow grapes of the highest quality.

Abreu joined under the condition that he could replant the entire vineyard. This massive undertaking would ensure varietals and terroir were matched to perfection in the healthiest vineyard ecosystem possible.

Kenzo agreed, and in 2002 replanting operations commenced with vines, soil and even the smallest rocks in the ground removed. Each block was planted to extract the purity of the vine’s heritage and varietal characteristics.

“My desire is to create the best wines imaginable.” – Kenzo Tsujimoto

In 2003, celebrated winemaker Heidi Barrett joined the team. Barrett crafted some of the most sought-after Napa Valley cult wines, including Screaming Eagle and Dalla Valle. Kenzo and Natsuko were captivated by Barrett’s elegant, artistic approach to winemaking. The three collaborated to fulfill Kenzo’s vision: create superior, yet accessible wines that could stand among the world’s best.

By 2005, the Kenzo Estate vineyards were ready for their first harvest, realizing Kenzo’s 15-year pursuit to produce wine. The winemaking team at that point included current Consulting Winemaker Helen Keplinger, who grew to know the terroir of the property, planted to approximately 60 acres at the time.

"In those early years, our focus was to uncover and elevate the unique expression of the extraordinary terroir at Kenzo Estate, working closely with David Abreu and the vineyard team to begin to understand the soils, microclimates, and farming."
-Kenzo Estate Consulting Winemaker Helen Keplinger

In 2008, a celebration was held to present Kenzo Estate’s first vintage of wines – 2005 rindo, murasaki and ai – at the Tokyo Imperial Hotel. The graceful wine labels were designed by renowned designer Tamotsu Yagi. The inaugural vintage sold out immediately.

In 2009, construction concluded on the state-of-the-art winery and production facilities, as well as the 20,000 square feet of caves created for French oak barrels as they age the wines. Finally, Kenzo Estate wines could be officially labeled "Estate Bottled." Then, in 2010, the beautifully appointed tasting room was completed and opened with the fine hospitality standards of COO Natsuko Tsujimoto.

Kenzo and Natsuko welcomed friends and partners to commemorate the Tasting Room’s Grand Opening in 2010. Guests were officially welcomed to experience the beauty of Kenzo Estate and its stunning wine collection.

In 2010, Marc Nanes was appointed as the estate winemaker to assist Heidi Barrett in crafting Kenzo Estate’s growing wine portfolio. In 2022, after 19 successful vintages, Heidi Barrett stepped away, and Marc was named Kenzo Estate's Winemaker by Kenzo and Natsuko Tsujimoto.

In 2016, Kenzo and Natsuko opened their namesake restaurant, Kenzo Napa, to share authentic Japanese cuisine alongside Kenzo Estate wines. Managing five Kenzo Estate restaurants in Japan, Natsuko again took the reins in design, operation and marketing at Kenzo Napa. Her unwavering vision and commitment to excellence is a key factor in the restaurant’s ongoing success, which includes seven consecutive Michelin Star ratings.

“It was a dream to share this unique and extraordinary site with guests from around the world.” – Kenzo Tsujimoto

Kenzo Estate, named a “Top 100 Winery in the World” by Bonfort’s Wine & Spirits Journal, and Kenzo Napa restaurant, a seven-time Michelin Star recipient, are now enmeshed in the fabric of the illustrious Napa Valley wine and culinary scene.

In April 2025, Kenzo and Natsuko Tsujimoto asked Helen Keplinger to return - to lead Kenzo Estate's winemaking efforts in naming her to the position of Consulting Winemaker. Immediately on appointment, Ms Keplinger stepped in to blend the estate's 2023 vintage red wines. Since her departure in 2010, Ms Keplinger has gained impressive accolades, including being named the 2023 Winemaker of the Year by Vinous, alongside critical and popular successes with Bryant Family Vineyards, Grace Family and her own label, Keplinger Wines. Says Kenzo: "I am confident that, under her hand, the wines of Kenzo Estate wil rise to an even greater level."