This May, we’re trading pit stops for pour spots as we gear up for the legendary Indy 500. In the spirit of speed and sophistication, we’re highlighting wineries with deep ties to the world of auto racing. From IndyCar icons to Le Mans legends, these winemakers have channeled their need for speed into a passion for fine wine. Buckle up—this is one ride you’ll want to savor.
Adobe Road Winery
Petaluma, California
Founded by race car driver and entrepreneur Kevin Buckler and his wife Debra, Adobe Road Winery is a boutique gem crafting small-batch wines from premier vineyards in Napa and Sonoma. Buckler’s racing pedigree is impressive: he’s a four-time winner of the Rolex 24 at Daytona, a 24 Hours of Le Mans champion, and victor of the 1995 California Grand Prix.
Their tasting room at The Great Petaluma Mill offers an intimate look at their wines, and exciting plans are underway for a 16,000-square-foot racing and wine experience along the Petaluma River—including a visitor center, production facility, and museum celebrating Buckler’s racing legacy.
🏁 Wine Picks: The Racing Series
Each bottle is as bold in the glass as it is on the label.
- SHIFT – A Zinfandel-driven red blend with Teroldego, Syrah, and Carignan. (2021: 92 WS, 91 WE)
- Redline – Cabernet Sauvignon leads the charge with Merlot, Syrah, Zinfandel, Petite Sirah & Malbec. (2021: 93 WE, 92 JD)
- The 24 – Rhône-style blend featuring Grenache, Mourvèdre, Syrah, Malbec & Petite Sirah. (2019: 92 WE, 90 WS)
- Apex – Sonoma Cab meets Syrah, Merlot, and Petite Sirah. (2019: 92 WE, 90 JS)
- 66 – A white blend of Chardonnay, Marsanne, and Viognier, named after Buckler’s '66 Porsche. (2021: 92 JD)
Foyt Wine Collective
Sonoma, California + Speedway, Indiana + Fredericksburg, Texas
When it comes to racing royalty, few names carry the weight of Foyt. A.J. Foyt is the first driver to win the Indy 500 four times, with 35 consecutive appearances. His grandson, A.J. Foyt IV, also logged six Indy 500 starts and a stint in NASCAR.
Together with cousin Larry Foyt, they launched Foyt Wine Collective in 2008. Today, the brand spans a Sonoma County winery, a tasting vault in Speedway, Indiana (just steps from the Indy track), and a Texas Hill Country winery and museum.
🏁 Wine Picks:
- Collector’s Series – Honoring Foyt family racing milestones.
- Elevation Series – Small-production, single-barrel wines for the serious sipper.
Lewis Cellars
Napa Valley, California
Randy Lewis transitioned from the cockpit to the crush pad after a 23-year racing career that included five Indy 500 starts and time on the Formula Three circuit. In 1992, he and his wife Debbie founded Lewis Cellars—and the wine world took notice.
Their wines consistently earn critical acclaim, including Wine Spectator’s #1 Wine of the Year in 2016 for their 2013 Napa Cabernet Sauvignon. Today, the winery is owned by Justin Vineyards (under the FIJI Water portfolio), with an exciting new tasting destination under construction on Napa’s Silverado Trail.
🏁 Wine Picks:
- Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve (2022) – Bold and structured with signature Napa opulence.
- Russian River Chardonnay Reserve (2023) – Rich, creamy, and balanced with vibrant acidity.
Andretti Winery
Napa, California
A global motorsports legend, Mario Andretti is one of the few drivers to win races in IndyCar, NASCAR, and Formula One. His 1969 Indy 500 win remains iconic, and in 1996, Andretti shifted gears to start Andretti Winery alongside former K-Mart CEO and longtime racing sponsor Joe Antonini.
While their original Tuscan-style estate closed in 2021, tastings are now available at the Feast It Forward tasting room in downtown Napa.
🏁 Wine Picks:
- Napa Valley Series – Estate-grown, classic Napa expressions.
- Villa Andretti – The brand’s most widely available wines, featuring Italian varietals.
- Montana Reserve – Super-premium, limited production wines (including Super Tuscan-style blends).
V12 Vineyards
Napa Valley, California
Jimmy Vasser, a two-time top-four Indy 500 finisher, founded V12 Vineyards in 2001, with his first harvest in 2008. The name pays tribute to multiple elements of Vasser’s racing legacy: his family’s initial "V," his number "12" race car, the iconic V12 engine, and the vineyard’s own 4x4x4 block layout.
🏁 Wine Pick:
- 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon – A polished, small-production Napa red with elegance and horsepower.
Finish Line
From turbo-charged red blends to world-class Cabernets, these racing legends have proven their talents extend far beyond the track. Whether you’re watching the Indy 500 or just toasting to a weekend well spent, these wines make a statement on and off the podium.
Here’s to fast cars, fine wines, and the thrill of the finish line. 🏎️🍷