Napastäk, which means “rabbit” in Armenian, was founded in 2014 by Lusine and Arthur Hartunian, an Armenian couple from Southern California. Their first culinary foray was the development of a limoncello, crafted from Meyer lemons by hand in their home kitchen—with help from the whole family. When their experimental liqueur won international awards, the couple decided to dive into spirit making full time.

Out of their passion for craft spirits and cocktails, Lusine and Arthur started Napa Valley Distillery in 2009, the first distillery in the city of Napa since Prohibition. Immersed in Napa’s abundant culture of fine food, wine, and dining, a new idea began to percolate.