Robin Williams' Villa of Smiles Now a Napa Wine Legacy

Robin Williams' expansive Napa Valley retreat, named Villa Sorriso, has evolved into a significant wine-producing estate. The actor built the custom mansion in 2003 on his approximately 640-acre property, which included a vineyard he called Pym-Rae, honoring his children Zachary Pym and Zelda Rae.

The approximately 20,000-square-foot residence, located in the Mount Veeder area, boasted luxurious amenities. Williams originally purchased the land in 1994 and later listed the estate for sale. Following his passing in August 2014, the property remained on the market until January 2016 when it was acquired by French wine producers Alfred and Justine Tesseron for $18.1 million.

The Tesseron family has preserved the Pym-Rae vineyard name as a tribute to Williams. They are now cultivating the hillside grapes, including Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Cabernet Franc, to produce premium Bordeaux-style red wines. While Williams sold his grapes, the Tesserons are actively developing the estate into a renowned Napa Valley winery, carrying forward the legacy of the vineyard he named for his children.