Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars

Napa Valley winery on the Silverado Trail

In 1964, Warren and Barbara Winiarski abandoned blossoming academic careers in Chicago and headed to Napa Valley.

For a few years Warren apprenticed to winemakers and served as Robert Mondavi’s assistant winemaker, and then, in 1970, the Winiarskis bought land along the Silverado Trail to create Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars.

Six years later, in a decision that rocked the wine world, the winery’s sensational 1973 S. L. V. Cabernet Sauvignon won the “Judgment of Paris” wine tasting, triumphing over four top-ranked Bordeaux wines and changing the history of Napa Valley winemaking forever.

The Winiarskis sold the winery in August of 2007.

Nestled at the foot of a wooded hill, Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars has lovely gardens and picnic tables available for use by visitors. An exposed rock Arcade, designed by Spanish architect Javier Barba, offers views of the Palisades—including the rock formation long ago named “Stag’s Leap” by local Indians.

Fascinating Fact:

The name Winiarski, when translated from the Polish, means “winemaker’s son.”

Amenities: Wine Club. Paintings and sculpture. Foucault pendulum in the cave’s Round Room. Estate and Wine Cave Tours, appointment only. Private event hosting.
Founded: 1972
Signature Wines: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc
Wine Tasting: Basic, no appointment needed. Groups of 8 or more, appointments requested.
Hours: Daily, 10-4:30
Special Note: Due to name similarity, people sometimes confuse this winery with Stags’ Leap Winery. They are quite distinct properties, so be sure you select the one that’s right for you.

Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars
5766 Silverado Trail
Napa, CA 94558
866-422-7523

email: tours@cask23.com
website: www.cask23.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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