Cliff Lede Vineyards

Napa Valley winery, Gallery and B&B near the Silverado Trail

In 2002, Canadian businessman Cliff Lede purchased family-owned S. Anderson Vineyard, a 60-acre Stag’s Leap property that produced both sparkling and still wines.

But Lede had no intention of allowing the property or anything else to remain still.

In quick order he put together a celebrated winemaking team, changed the winery’s name, built a new tasting room, remade an old fermentation room into a museum-quality art gallery, erected a state-of-the art gravity-flow winemaking facility, and constructed a sophisticated 25,000-square-foot cave system.

Lede also opened a luxurious B&B, the Poetry Inn, on the grounds.

Cliff Lede is a life-long Bordeaux enthusiast, and the vineyards reflect his passion; they are planted to Bordeaux varietals such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, and Petit Verdot.

A visit to this contemporary wonderland is a sumptuous and aesthetic experience. Sculpture by major modern artists such as Jim Dine, Lynn Chadwick, and Keith Haring is scattered around the grounds.

The tasting room, in a restored 1913 craftsman house, is beautiful and welcoming. There are many beautiful locations, inside and out, to just sit with a glass of wine and revel in the views of vineyards stretching seemingly forever.

Fascinating Fact:

Cliff Lede first became interested in wine as a boy, when he helped his mother produce wine in the basement of their home.

Amenities: Tours by appointment only. Sun veranda. Art gallery with four yearly changing exhibits. Wine club. Winemaker program.
Founded: 2002
Signature Wines: Sauvignon Blanc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Claret
Wine Tasting: No appointment needed. Club members have access to the private Club Room.
Hours: Daily, 10-5. Gallery, 10-4

Cliff Lede Vineyards
1473 Yountville Cross Road
Yountville, CA 94599
707-944-8642

email: info@CliffLedeVineyards.com
website: www.cliffledevineyards.com

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Suzie Rodriguez writes about travel, food, and wine from her home in the wine-country town of Sonoma, California. You can follow her travels and musings at The Culinary Gadabout.

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