Chappellet Winery is a family-owned and operated winery located in the Pritchard Hill area of Napa Valley, California. The winery was founded in 1967 by Donn and Molly Chappellet, who were inspired by the beauty and potential of the Napa Valley wine region.
Donn and Molly Chappellet first visited Napa Valley in the mid-1960s, and were immediately struck by the region’s potential for producing world-class wine. In 1967, they purchased a 180-acre property on Pritchard Hill, which is known for its well-draining, rocky soil and its exposure to the sun. They planted their first vines in 1968, and the first vintage of Chappellet wine was released in 1972.
Over the years, Chappellet Winery has built a reputation for producing high-quality, expressive wines that showcase the unique characteristics of the Napa Valley terroir. The winery has also been recognized for its commitment to sustainable practices, including the use of solar power, water conservation, and the integration of wildlife habitat into the vineyards.
Chappellet Winery’s vineyards are located on Pritchard Hill, at elevations ranging from 1,200 to 1,800 feet above sea level. The winery grows a variety of grape varieties, including Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, Malbec, and Chardonnay.
The vineyards are planted on well-draining, rocky soil, which helps to produce wines with a strong sense of place and a distinct character. The grapes are hand-harvested and carefully sorted to ensure the highest quality fruit is used in the winemaking process.
Chappellet Winery prides itself on producing wines that showcase the unique character of the Napa Valley terroir. To achieve this, the winery uses a combination of traditional and modern winemaking techniques.
The grapes are carefully sorted and gently crushed before being fermented in small, open-top tanks. The wines are then aged in a combination of French oak barrels and stainless steel tanks, depending on the specific wine and the desired flavor profile. The winery also practices minimal intervention winemaking, allowing the grapes and the terroir to speak for themselves in the finished wine.
In addition to its signature Cabernet Sauvignon, Chappellet Winery produces a range of other red and white wines, including Merlot, Cabernet franc, Petit Verdot, Malbec, and Chardonnay. The winery also produces a range of small-lot, single-vineyard wines that showcase the unique character of specific vineyard sites.
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Raelle C
4 months agoOur experience at Chappellet Winery was absolutely unforgettable, and a huge part of that was thanks to Emmanuel! From the moment we arrived, he made us feel incredibly welcomed. His knowledge of the wines, the history of the vineyard, and the winemaking process was truly impressive—but what stood out even more was his passion and warmth. We absolutely loved his fun energy! Emmanuel guided us through a tasting that was both educational and fun, with the perfect balance of professionalism and personality. Every wine we tasted was exceptional, and the views from the property were breathtaking. Chappellet is a must-visit in Napa, and if you’re lucky enough to have Emmanuel as your host, you’re in for a real treat!
Patricia V Waldron
8 months agoWe’ve had a membership here for 10+ years, and this was the first time we’ve taken then windy road up to visit in person. Our group of 6 got a short tour of the huge cellar and then outside to see / learn about Pritchard Hill, before settling in to taste. Great experience tasting - got to sample range of wines - and hear stories about the family and valley. Thanks Derek! Extras: postcards they stamp and mail for you, beautiful outside picnic area
Peter Hall
2 weeks agoAs the Napa Valley chauffeur, always a pleasure to bring clients here! Though very technical , navigating limos and other vehicles here....always, worth the effort! Amanda, Peter, Victoria and Dimitri and others are professional and accomodating...love the family story and highly suggest you find your way here!!! CHEERS!!! Still.... a uniquely satisfying experience, each and everytime here! Great wines! Great family history! Definite, must do if you love Napa Valley wines !!! CHEERS !!! September 2025 UPDATE ! Though many of the staff I mentioned prior have moved on … They’ve brought back Theo … A delightful young lady, full of energy and totally suited for what Chappellet has to offer ! My clients today had never been here and we spoke mostly of my opinion and what to expect … Hands down the best experience of the day and I think the best option for a wine tour during harvest open to the public ! I won’t mention the other Winery that we are comparing the experience to . A very prestigious one also located just across the street from Auberge . My clients rated the experience as well as the wine to be better than the unmentioned Winery . I’ve always been a fan of Chappellet and actually purchased their wine today for a very dear friend who is moving away … I need her to remember her life here in California as she starts a new chapter in a Midwestern state ! In my opinion as a Napa Valley Chauffeur, this is one of the absolute best Tours you could possibly do in the Napa Valley … It is not stupid expensive. It is quite educational and the way They treat every visitor is professional, intimate, and worthy of any experience you’ll have in the Napa Valley ! Keep up the excellent work and welcome back Theo looking forward to working with you more !!! 💕🍷
Sara Govero
a year agoThis is such a picturesque winery in Napa Valley. It is worth the windy drive. Chappellet Winery is rich in history, founded in 1967 by Donn and Molly Chappellet, this family-owned winery has carved a niche for itself by its unique location on Pritchard Hill. Donn and Molly Chappellet were pioneers in recognizing the potential of hillside vineyards in Napa Valley. How is this spot different? Chappellet has a challenging terrain. Situated at altitudes ranging from 800 to 1,800 feet, the grapes face a daily struggle against the elements. The steep, rocky slopes and well-drained, volcanic soils create an environment where vines must work harder. You might think the struggle would hurt the grapes. However, this struggle is precisely what gives the grapes their complexity. At these elevations, the vines experience greater exposure to sunlight and cooler temperatures, leading to a slower ripening process. Amazing! I’ll say this…. I bought a case.
Svet Stoyanov
a year agoIf we could give 10 stars, we would! We have been to quite a few fine wine tastings over the years, and none have even come close to our experience at Chappellet. In addition to the wine being exceptional, this was an incredibly personable, informative, and absolutely fun experience for us! Last but not least - look for Derek!! He made the entire experience extra special. The winery is lucky to have him!