Chimney Rock Winery is a Napa Valley estate with a rich history of producing exceptional quality wines. Founded in 1980 by Hack and Stella Wilson, the estate brought a love of wine and South African winery architecture to the Napa Valley. In 2004, the Terlato family had the opportunity to acquire the estate, and since then, they have worked to build on the foundation established by the Wilsons and advance the quality of every aspect of the winery and its wines.
The Terlatos have focused on sustainable and intelligent farming and grape growing, and they have employed a soft-handed and thoughtful approach to winemaking, led by Winemaker Elizabeth Vianna. The goal of this approach is to allow the unique and magnificent soil and fruit of the Stags Leap District to show themselves in their best light. Through this approach, Chimney Rock has built a reputation for consistently crafting unique wines that show a true sense of place.
In addition to their focus on sustainable and thoughtful winemaking, the Terlatos have also dedicated significant resources towards building a state-of-the-art winery. This facility allows the winemaking team to ferment each vineyard block separately and conduct small-lot experiments to fine-tune and further express the spirit of the Chimney Rock estate. The accompanying climate-controlled barrel rooms provide the ideal temperature and humidity for long-term aging of the wines in French oak barrels.
The vision and mission of Chimney Rock is to produce wines that are capable of standing shoulder to shoulder with the great and important wines of the world. To achieve this, the Terlatos have provided Elizabeth and her winemaking team with the vision, resources, and guidance to craft unique wines of exceptional quality. This commitment to quality is a cornerstone of the Chimney Rock estate and is exemplified by their dedication to sustainable and thoughtful winemaking practices.
The legacy of Chimney Rock’s founder, Tony Terlato, also plays a significant role in the winery’s commitment to quality. Tony was an icon in the global wine community and dedicated his career to making and sharing the great wines of the world. He passed away in June 2020, but his values and commitment to quality live on through the wines produced at Chimney Rock. His children and grandchildren are continuing his legacy by keeping his spirit and values alive with every bottle of wine they craft.
Chimney Rock Winery invites wine enthusiasts to be a part of its ongoing story and to experience the elegant wines that are the result of the winery’s dedication to quality and commitment to showcasing the unique character of the Stags Leap District.
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Huong Simmons
3 months agoGary Miller made my first wine tasting experience memorable! He took us on a tour, and explained the history of Chimney Rock. Each wine we tasted, what notes it had to pair with, what best went with food. I loved the whole experience I had with Chimney Rock. Definitely will do it again!
Emily Ehlers
a week agoOur visit to Chimney Rock was nothing short of extraordinary, thanks to the exceptional expertise and warmth of Gary— who guided us through a tasting journey we’ll never forget. His passion for fine wines was evident in every detail, from the way he described each vintage to the thoughtful pairing suggestions that elevated our experience. The hospitality was unparalleled—welcoming, engaging, and tailored to our preferences. Whether we were savoring their signature Cabernet or exploring hidden gems, their recommendations were spot on, making our visit an unforgettable celebration of flavor and tradition. Chimney Rock is lucky to have such a passionate ambassador for their wines. We left with not just bottles of incredible vintages but also a deeper appreciation for the artistry and care behind each one. If you’re visiting, don’t miss the chance to meet Gary—you’ll leave with your heart and palate completely enchanted. Bravo, Chimney Rock! We can’t wait to return.
Izzy Hernandez
2 months agoChimney Rock did not disappoint! At all top wines in Napa. I also bought a wine bottle ( tomahawk) I will definitely be back.
Shelia Gasson
4 months agoWe didn’t know after Covid you needed reservations for tastings. Luckily, we found a couple of places to try from a recommendation from an app called Tock that said walk-in’s are welcome when available. We decided to drive over to Chimney Rock and we were welcomed with open arms. The wine was great and our host, Julian, was amazing. He knew the history and was so connected to the vineyard, and giving all of the guests the best experience. We purchased a bottle of Cabernet Sauvignon which we both really enjoyed. We had to move on to another location as we had a reservation there and we didn’t want to leave here as we were having such great conversations over wine with Julian and other guests. We will definitely go back the next time we are in town.
Travis Boone
4 months agoIncredible wine, beautiful setting, super chill vibe. Gary was a wealth of knowledge, entertaining, and fun. Best tour I’ve had in Napa out of a dozen or more.