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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Shelia Gasson
3 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.
Huong Simmons
2 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!
Izzy Hernandez
a month agoChimney Rock did not disappoint! At all top wines in Napa. I also bought a wine bottle ( tomahawk) I will definitely be back.
Indira Narvaez
2 weeks agoChimney Rock!!! Dear Chimney Rock Team, I wanted to take a moment to express my utmost appreciation for Gary. His dedication and excellence truly make a difference, and his impact is felt far beyond the day-to-day. Whether it’s his unwavering professionalism, the personal attention he brings to each interaction, or his ability to make everyone feel valued, Gary sets a standard that is second to none. Thank you for having someone like Gary in your team – he’s a true gem, and I hope his contributions are celebrated as they deserve. Julie also sharing my out must love to you for the intense coordination you are working in order for us to have a great experience. I love you Chimney Rock!
Maggie Smith
a month agoWe absolutely love Chimney Rock and couldn’t be happier to be members! This was our second visit, and it was even better than the first. The wine is amazing and Gary, our wine tasting expert, gave us a tour of the property, sharing his knowledge and passion for the wines and the vineyard’s history. His attention to detail made the experience so special, and every tasting was perfection. The stunning setting, paired with Gary’s expertise, made it a day to remember. We can’t wait for our next visit!