Stag's Leap Wine Cellars, Napa Valley, USA
Stag's Leap Wine Cellars' FAY vineyard
Founded in 1970 by Warren Winiarski, Stag's Leap Wine Cellars emerged as a pioneering force in Napa Valley, aiming to create world-class wines that could compete globally. This vision was realized with the release of the inaugural Cabernet Sauvignon in 1972. The winery's ascent to international fame was cemented in 1976 when its 1973 Stag’s Leap Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon triumphed over prestigious French wines in the "Judgment of Paris" tasting, placing Napa Valley on the world wine map.
As Stag's Leap Wine Cellars gained stature, it also committed to sustainable viticulture. In 1990, Winiarski initiated land preservation efforts, laying the groundwork for the winery's focus on environmental stewardship. In 2007, Warren Winiarski handed the winery's legacy to a partnership between Ste. Michelle Wine Estates and the renowned Italian winemaking family, Marchesi Antinori. This collaboration brought fresh energy and innovation to the winery while preserving its core values. By 2023, the Antinori family acquired full ownership, returning the winery to family hands, central to both the Antinori and Winiarski legacies.
The estate comprises two historic vineyards: S.L.V. (Stag's Leap Vineyard) and FAY. Primarily planted with Cabernet Sauvignon and some Cabernet Franc, the vines range from 52 years old to those planted as recently as 2022. The iconic Cabernet Sauvignons produced include S.L.V., FAY, and CASK 23, celebrated for their balance of power and elegance, reflecting the unique terroir and meticulous winemaking philosophy.
S.L.V., the winery's first vineyard, has predominantly volcanic soils with excellent drainage, producing wines with complex black fruit and berry character, spicy intensity, and excellent structure. The FAY Vineyard, with fine Bale gravelly clay loam and volcanic alluvium, produces fruit with abundant supple red and black berry character, voluptuous perfume, and a fine-grained texture.
Stag's Leap Wine Cellars' wines have significant aging potential. The winery's deep library, including precious bottles of the 1973 S.L.V. Cabernet Sauvignon, showcases how beautifully the wines evolve over time. Beyond its exceptional wines, the winery has played a pivotal role in shaping the Napa Valley wine industry, inspiring countless winemakers and elevating the reputation of Californian wines globally.
Committed to sustainability, Stag's Leap Wine Cellars promotes a healthy ecosystem and high-quality grape production, validated by certifications such as the California Sustainable Winegrowing Alliance, Napa Green Winery Certification, and Fish-Friendly Farming Certification. In November 2024, Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars became the first estate in Napa Valley’s Stags Leap District to be Regenerative Organic Certified® (ROC™), which represents the highest standard for organic agriculture in the world.
Today, Stag's Leap Wine Cellars stands as a testament to the pioneering spirit of Napa Valley and the enduring power of collaboration. Its history of visionary leadership, unparalleled achievements, and deep commitment to sustainability ensures its legacy will continue to inspire wine lovers for generations.
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