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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Colby Weigel
2 weeks agoOur favourite winery on our trip to Napa! The gentleman who did our tasting was so kind and knowledgeable. The charcuterie served at the tasting was so complimentary to the experience as well. Also, the host who greeted us had so much knowledge of where visitors were from across the world, it was quite impressive and welcoming!
Lizza G
a month agoBeautiful peaceful and quiet winery, Stags’ Leap Winery, established in 1893, is a historic estate located in the Stags Leap District of Napa Valley, California. Known for its elegant wines and storied past, the winery has played a significant role in the development of the region’s winemaking reputation.  History and Legacy The estate was founded by Horace Chase and his wife Minnie Mizner Chase in the late 19th century. After changing hands several times and ceasing wine production during Prohibition, the property was revitalized in 1970 when Carl Doumani purchased and restored it. Under Doumani’s leadership, the winery focused on producing high-quality wines, particularly Petite Sirah, which became its signature varietal.   Wines and Winemaking Stags’ Leap Winery is renowned for its Petite Sirah, a varietal that has become synonymous with the estate. In addition to Petite Sirah, the winery produces a range of wines including Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Merlot, and Viognier. The winemaking philosophy emphasizes traditional techniques and a commitment to expressing the unique terroir of the Stags Leap District. Visiting the Winery The winery offers a variety of tasting experiences by appointment, allowing visitors to explore its historic grounds and sample its acclaimed wines. Guests can enjoy guided tours of the estate, including the 19th-century Manor House and wine caves, providing insight into the winery’s rich history and winemaking practices.  Ownership and Management Currently, Stags’ Leap Winery is owned by Treasury Wine Estates, a global wine company that acquired the estate in the late 1990s. The winery continues to uphold its legacy of producing high-quality wines that reflect the character and elegance of the Stags Leap District. 
Jennifer Trickett
in the last weekOur wine tour was great with a very knowledgeable host, Agatha. She taught us SO much about how to pair wine with various foods. The history of the estate was so informational and we really enjoyed our tour. The wine was good, especially the Malbec. Just not our favorite compared to a few others so that’s the only reason I’m not giving it a 5 star. Definitely worth the trip and loved the experience!
Evelyn Ayrapetova
a week agoOur party of 4 visited stags' for the tasting and tour and had a lovely time overall. The estate is gorgeous, has a historic feel. It really feels like a step back in time and you can tell the grounds are well cared for. The wines were excellent, and the tasting itself was delicious! They do give you a lot of wine to try so be careful lol! We got to try a great variety and everything was well explained. It did feel a bit more commercial than i expected. Our wine guide was knowledgeable but it felt very rehearsed which made the tour feel a bit impersonal at times. Still it's a great stop, especially if you appreciate the architecture and well crafted wines!
Steve Kosloske
2 months agoA short drive off the main road. Far enough back that it's quiet and feels private. The grounds are amazing. A nice plus is the parking is spacious. We had no issue at all parking a RAM 150. We walked in without a resy on a Thursday afternoon, and they quickly brought someone to escort us outside to talk wine and drink wine. The staff is very proud of their grounds and wine selection and are very generous with options. We have had their wine several times before and were looking forward to visiting, and were not disappoointed. We were exceptionally taken care of, again, just walking in, no reservation. And after, we were given the business card of our rep, and encouraged to come back the next day, at any time, and ask for her to try more wines. TOP NOTCH service. And their wines are pretty damn good too.