Bienvenue to Picayune
Picayune Cellars and Mercantile purveys vibrant wines, genuine experiences and a curated selection of items and collectibles for wine lovers and lovers of beautiful things to add a “Je ne sais quoi” to their daily life and special occasions.
Who We Are
Picayune (pronounced {pee-ka-ˈyün}) means a little bit in regional French. Ou Napa winery and mercantile is headed by winemaker/owner Claire Weinkauf, a French native with a passion for excellent wine at accessible prices. Her downtown Calistoga tasting room also hosts a boutique store - full of fun, unique, and interesting pieces from French knifemakers, Native American silversmiths, and heritage family-owned brands like Saint James and Pendleton.
Our California Wine
Picayune wines are meticulously crafted with a blend of tradition and innovation. Our sustainably-farmed wine embraces the purity and intensity of California fruit, embracing French-style drinkability with juiciness, balance and finesse in the palette. Today, our California winery makes a dozen wines and a bit over 3,500 cases a year.
Our Calistoga Tasting Room
A light-filled main street tasting room full of friendly faces and great wine! Picayune's home in a historic building features two outdoor patios, two indoor spaces, and a boutique shop full of French flaire, Southwestern style, and a commitment to family-owned business and artisanal goods.
Our Dream Team
Claire draws good people to her, and Picayune's Dream Team is the proof! Come meet us in Calistoga, where we'll be hosting fun events, pouring delicious wines, or just having a fun chat. We look forward to hosting you for a tasting, a luncheon in our courtyard, or a glass of wine while shopping. Cheers!
Claire Weinkauf
Winemaker, Owner, Calistoga Lover
Meet Claire Weinkauf, a French native who grew up in Auvergne: the land of Volcanoes and fabulous cheeses. Inspired by the power of a Mouton Rothschild, she earned a wine degree in Chile and then embarked for France to work harvest in St Emilion and the Côte du Rhône. While working in South America, she met Paul Hobbs and got a job first at Viña Cobos in Mendoza, Argentina, then later in his winery in California.
In 2010, Claire started a a business development company focused on helping California wine producers including Matthiasson Wines, Long Meadow Ranch, Morlet Family Estate.
In 2010, Claire started a a business development company focused on helping California wine producers including Matthiasson Wines, Long Meadow Ranch, Morlet Family Estate.
Picayune Cellars was founded in 2011 with Claire' good friend Jennifer Roberts. They both shared the same love for drinking quality wines and the same drive for searching great value. Surrounded by a pool of amazing winemaker friends, Claire and Jennifer decided to follow the classic French Negociant model as a California winery and buy small lots from the hands of our talented friends and give them a new future.
Since 2017, Claire focuses solely on Picayune Cellars. She lives in Calistoga with her husband, Aron Weinkauf of Spottswoode Winery, and their two children.
Affordable Napa Wine
Claire's drive for easy-drinking, affordable, but high quality wine stems from her time in France, where good wine is everywhere! Experience incredible Napa Valley wines without breaking the bank at Picayune.
Exciting Experiences
Picayune hosts wine tastings, private events, and exciting events in our Calistoga tasting room. Join our wine club and come along on a journey to experience our culture!
Unique & Collectible
Our collections are hand-selected by Claire, with a focus on artisanal crafts, family businesses, and high quality goods. With unique jewelry, fashion, and gifts that reflect the things Claire loves!
"Love this Winemaker and her wines! Delicious, refreshing, down to earth. They have a cute shop too attached. Delicious cheese plate! Yummy crackers. Left with 3 bottles!"
Gina R.
“The wine was excellent, the cheese and charcuterie were delicious, and Jayne-Marie was a very friendly and knowledgeable host. Add to that a unique selection of souvenirs for sale, and it was a wonderfully memorable experience all around. They are also conveniently located in the midst of Calistoga with easy parking.“
