Celebrating 20 Years of Azur:
A Journey Rooted in Intention​

Celebrating 20 years of azur - a note from elan


As we step into 2026, it’s remarkable to believe that this year we will be celebrating 20 years of AZUR! When I started making wines in my garage at 26 years old, I could not have dreamed a better dream that I find myself and the brand in. In 2006, I had decided that I wanted to pioneer the first quality, intentional Rose of Napa Valley. I never would have known the journey and evolution that would ensue. 
 
I am grateful that passion and lots of hard work have provided this beautiful life and wine that brings joy to so many. It’s in being connected to the land and making something that expresses this beautiful and abundant place. It’s also the people and the connection over wine that is the very reason we are celebrating 20 years. What I mean by that is YOU! I’ve personally met most of you and hosted you for a tasting to share in the beauty that only wine can bring, connection over a glass. It’s something that I cherish about wine. It brings people together, through shared experience and brings so much joy!
 
Thank you for supporting me and Azur from the beginning…..you know who you are!!! And for those who have just joined us on this journey, we look forward to continuing to produce wines that you love.
 
Here’s to another 20 years or more! In Gratitude!!

The Beginning: A Vision Takes Root

Elan's First Harvest

My first harvest, 2007. I had no idea this would become a 20-year journey.

This is a picture of me, a wee 26 years old, the first harvest in Napa Valley. I had procured some complimentary fruit that a winery wasn’t harvesting to make 20 cases of Rose. It was the jumpstart to a demanding yet fulfilling 20 year future of wine in Napa Valley. 
 
I remember this day clearly, so excited to make my first wine. At this time, I had no intention to make this my brand. It came out of necessity as no one in Napa was producing intentional, quality-driven dry rose. I was dabbling to see what might become. When I tasted the fermented juice for our first vintage, a spark, I want to introduce others to what rose could be like, quality, finesse driven wines that weren’t sweet or served from a box. So, there were the seeds that became Azur. 

From One Bottle to a Legacy

Looking through old photos recently, I came across images that tell the story better than I ever could. The evolution of our bottles, from that first release to where we are today, is a reflection of everything we’ve learned, refined, and held sacred along the way.

What started as a single rosé has grown into a portfolio that includes our elegant Reserve Cabernets, our collector-focused Empreinte wines, and collaborations with some of Napa’s most remarkable growers. Each bottle carries the same DNA: purity, intention, and an unwavering respect for the vineyards.

 

Rosé Evolution
Reserve Bottles
Harvest with Growers

Twenty years of evolution: Our rosé journey from 2007 to 2023, Reserve Cabernets from 2012 and 2019, and the partnerships with our grower family that make it all possible.

The People Who Make It Possible

Evening Harvest

Evening harvest: bringing in the fruit that will become next year’s wines.

None of this would exist without the people who believed in Azur from the beginning. Our growers, who tend these vines with the same care and dedication we bring to every bottle. Our team, Liz Rosco, and everyone who has poured their heart into this endeavor. And most importantly, you, our community of wine lovers who have supported us, celebrated with us, and shared countless moments over a glass of Azur.

Wine is never just about what’s in the bottle. It’s about the hands that picked the grapes, the land that nurtured them, and the people who gather to enjoy them. That’s what these 20 years have taught me: that every vintage is a collaboration, and every bottle is a story waiting to be told.

What’s Next: The Road Ahead

Napa Lounge

Our cozy downtown Napa lounge—where community and great wine come together.

Family Moment

What it’s all about! Family, community, and the moments we share together.

As we celebrate this milestone, I’m not looking back with nostalgia; I’m looking forward with renewed purpose. We have exciting releases planned for 2026, new vineyard partnerships to explore, and a deeper commitment than ever to crafting wines that honor both tradition and innovation.

Our downtown Napa tasting lounge continues to be a gathering place for the community we’ve built together; a space where locals and visitors alike can connect over great wine and genuine conversation. If you haven’t visited us yet this year, I hope you’ll make it a priority. There’s something special about sharing these wines in person, surrounded by the warmth of this incredible community.

A Toast to What’s Been and What’s to Come

So here’s to 20 years. To every harvest, every bottle, every glass raised in celebration. To the quiet moments of reflection and the joyful ones of togetherness. To the journey that brought us here and the road that stretches ahead.

Thank you for being part of this story. Thank you for believing in wines with identity, for supporting a small, family- and female-owned winery, and for making Azur what it is today.

Here’s to the next 20 years! May they be as rich, intentional, and beautiful as the ones that brought us here.

With deep gratitude and excitement for what’s ahead,

Elan Fayard
Founder & Proprietor, Azur Wines
707-812-4203
elan@azurwines.com