The winery was founded in 1893 by Horace Chase, who named it after the wild stags that roamed the area. The winery’s original vineyards were planted with Zinfandel and other grape varieties, and the winery quickly gained a reputation for producing high-quality wines.
In the 1970s, the winery’s fortunes changed dramatically when its 1972 Cabernet Sauvignon won the 1976 Judgment of Paris wine competition, beating out top Bordeaux wines and helping to put California wine on the map. The wine was made from grapes grown in the winery’s estate vineyards and was praised for its balanced fruit flavors and smooth tannins.
Today, the winery’s vineyards cover a total of 240 acres, including a mix of estate-grown and sourced grapes. The estate’s vineyards are planted with a variety of grape varieties, including Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet franc, Petit Verdot, and Malbec. These grapes are used to produce a range of wines, including the winery’s famous Cabernet Sauvignon, as well as Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, and Merlot.
In terms of wine making, Stags’ Leap Winery follows traditional methods, with a focus on small lot production and aging in oak barrels. The winery’s wines are known for their full-bodied, robust flavors and are often aged for several years before being released to the market.
In addition to its wine production, Stags’ Leap Winery is also a popular destination for visitors, with a tasting room and outdoor patio that offer stunning views of the surrounding vineyards and mountains. The winery also offers a range of educational experiences, including winery tours and tastings, as well as food and wine pairing events.
Overall, Stags’ Leap Winery is a highly respected and well-known producer of high-quality wines in Napa Valley, with a rich history and a focus on traditional wine making techniques. Its 1972 Cabernet Sauvignon remains one of the winery’s most famous and highly sought-after wines, and its other varietals are also highly regarded by wine critics and enthusiasts.
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Tam Baconawa
4 months agoWe did the manor tour and it was amazing! Angel is such knowledgeable, fun and awesome. I definitely recommend that you get the tour with him. The history and the vibe is amazing
Garth
a year agoBeautiful winery. We loved their twelve falls wine and had to take a bottle home. We also took the guided tour and it was very fun and informative. I would recommend doing the tour and of course a tasting on their patio is always a must. A little pricier than perhaps other winery experiences and I recommend booking in advance as soon as the dates are available because they go quickly.
Steve Bucherati
a month agoWe did a wine tasting at Stags Leap Winery this past week and had a terrific experience. The wine tasting was exceptional as was the tour of the caves. We would highly recommend asking for Aaron as your host. His knowledge of the wines and the history of Stags Leap was exceptional, but he also made it a truly fun experience for our group of six.
Tristen Hill
a year agoWithout a doubt the best winery experience in Napa. Be sure to book ahead early, they have limited space and do not take walk ins. The building itself is stunning. The patio for wine tasting has the best view over a small portion of the valley. Our host was amazing, fun, and informative.
Emily Lindsey
3 months agoStags' Leap Winery (not to be confused with Stag's Leap Wine Cellars...take the tour to find out why) was awesome. Their wine has always been our favorite, so we knew we had to visit on our Napa weekend. We took the Manor House tour, which was so interesting. Our tour guide was very knowledgeable about the history of the property and the different wines. And of course, the wines we tried during our tour and tasting were perfect. It is Stags' Leap after all! We will absolutely be back on a future trip!