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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Garth
7 months 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.
Prashant Gandhi
4 weeks ago50 years after the Judgement of Paris and this winery is still going strong. The tasting room has a nice mix of indoor and outdoor seating. And the pours are huge
Roderick Luna
a month agoMy wife and I visited Stags Leap Winery today for a wine tasting experience as part of our anniversary celebrations. We were warmly greeted by our server Maurice who was exceptionally friendly and knowledgeable about the wines. Maurice took the time to explain the background of each wine and provide pairing suggestions for our tasting flight. He has a great passion for the wines produced at Stags Leap that really shone through. The tasting room itself was beautifully designed and the perfect spot to relax and enjoy the award-winning Cabernet Sauvignons. The wines did not disappoint - they were complex, balanced and showed the terroir beautifully. Maurice also recommended the perfect wines to take home based on our preferences. It was one of the most memorable wine tasting experiences we have had. Maurice made our anniversary very special and we will definitely be back to explore more of Stags Leap Winery's offerings. I would highly recommend visiting for the exceptional service and world-class wines. It's clear why Stags Leap Winery is regarded as one of Napa's top wineries.
Dave Brewpubeaver
4 months agoStunning experience. We enjoyed the tastings on the porch with Elijah. Very nice and completely knowledgeable of the history of the grounds and the wine. This was my first Napa Valley experience, and I will judge all others to this amazing experience.
Tristen Hill
8 months 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.