Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars
Founded in 1970 by Warren Winiarski, who purchased 44 acres for under $200,000 next to pioneer Nathan Fay’s vineyard. Historic Achievement: 1976 Judgment of Paris – The 1973 S.L.V. Cabernet Sauvignon won first place for red wines, defeating renowned Bordeaux wines in blind tasting. This victory put California and Napa Valley on the international wine map. 1996 – Bottle of 1973 S.L.V. placed in Smithsonian National Museum of American History. 2007 – Sold to Ste. Michelle Wine Estates, with Antinori as minority partner. 2023 – Antinori expanded ownership to 85%. Considered a Napa Valley “first-growth estate.”
Estates: Key vineyards: S.L.V. (Stag’s Leap Vineyard) – Original vineyard from 1973 Judgment of Paris wine; approximately 77 hectares (190 acres) with limestone-rich soils, southwestern exposure, 350-400 meters elevation. FAY Vineyard – Adjacent historic vineyard originally owned by Nathan Fay. Arcadia Vineyard – 128 acres (52 ha) near Mount George; purchased 1996, retained by Winiarski family but provides grapes on contract. Flagship wines: CASK 23 (blend of S.L.V. and Fay fruit, first vintage 1974), S.L.V. Cabernet, FAY Cabernet, Arcadia Chardonnay. Produces wines with “an iron fist in a velvet glove” – balance between ripeness and restraint, softness and structure. Current winemaker: Marcus Notaro.
Location: 5766 Silverado Trail, Napa, California 94558; Stags Leap District AVA, Napa Valley
Website: https://www.stagsleapwinecellars.com/
