Stags' Leap Winery
Historic castle-like winery in Napa Valley, renowned for its elegant Petite Sirah and Cabernet Sauvignon, offering stunning vineyard views.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed
Stags' Leap Winery
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Historic castle-like winery in Napa Valley, renowned for its elegant Petite Sirah and Cabernet Sauvignon, offering stunning vineyard views.
"Our favourite winery on our trip to Napa! The gentleman who did our tasting was so kind and knowledgeable."
🎯 Book Tastings Ahead
Reservations are a must! Popular slots fill up fast, especially on weekends. :ticket:
🚶♀️ Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing some walking around the beautiful estate and vineyards. :athletic_shoe:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Historic Manor House
Main Estate
Explore the stunning 19th-century castle-like manor, a testament to Napa's rich winemaking history.

Porch Tasting Experience
Vineyard View Porch
Savor exquisite wines with breathtaking vineyard views from the elegant porch. A truly memorable experience.

Vineyard Walks
Estate Grounds
Wander through picturesque vineyards and soak in the serene beauty of the Stags Leap District.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Your Tasting in Advance
Distinguish from Stag's Leap Wine Cellars
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Book Tastings Ahead
Reservations are a must! Popular slots fill up fast, especially on weekends.
:ticket:🚶♀️ Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing some walking around the beautiful estate and vineyards. :athletic_shoe:
🧐 Know Your Stags
Distinguish between Stags' Leap Winery and Stag's Leap Wine Cellars. They're separate! :wine_glass:
🚗 Consider Transportation
Napa Valley has strict DUI laws. Arrange a driver or use ride-sharing services. :car:
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Book Tastings Ahead
Reservations are a must! Popular slots fill up fast, especially on weekends.
:ticket:🚶♀️ Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing some walking around the beautiful estate and vineyards. :athletic_shoe:
🧐 Know Your Stags
Distinguish between Stags' Leap Winery and Stag's Leap Wine Cellars. They're separate! :wine_glass:
🚗 Consider Transportation
Napa Valley has strict DUI laws. Arrange a driver or use ride-sharing services. :car:
📸 Capture the Views
The architecture and scenery are stunning. Bring your camera for memorable shots! :camera:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Stags' Leap Winery for its stunning historic estate, knowledgeable staff, and exceptional wine quality, particularly its Petite Sirah and Cabernet Sauvignon. The porch tasting experience with vineyard views is a standout highlight. Some find the pricing to be on the higher side, but generally agree the overall experience justifies the cost.
"Our favourite winery on our trip to Napa!
The gentleman who did our tasting was so kind and knowledgeable. The charcuterie served at the tasting was so complimentary to the experience as well.
Also, the host who greeted us had so much knowledge of where visitors were from across the world, it was quite impressive and welcoming!"
Colby Weigel
"Beautiful, elegant, long storied history makes a truly interesting experience. Wines are more old world and earthy than I prefer. The Leap doesn't stand out as much from the other reds. Essentially pallet neutral, balanced and low tone finish."
Wes Wahlin
"Beautiful peaceful and quiet winery, Stags’ Leap Winery, established in 1893, is a historic estate located in the Stags Leap District of Napa Valley, California. Known for its elegant wines and storied past, the winery has played a significant role in the development of the region’s winemaking reputation. 
History and Legacy
The estate was founded by Horace Chase and his wife Minnie Mizner Chase in the late 19th century. After changing hands several times and ceasing wine production during Prohibition, the property was revitalized in 1970 when Carl Doumani purchased and restored it. Under Doumani’s leadership, the winery focused on producing high-quality wines, particularly Petite Sirah, which became its signature varietal.  
Wines and Winemaking
Stags’ Leap Winery is renowned for its Petite Sirah, a varietal that has become synonymous with the estate. In addition to Petite Sirah, the winery produces a range of wines including Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Merlot, and Viognier. The winemaking philosophy emphasizes traditional techniques and a commitment to expressing the unique terroir of the Stags Leap District.
Visiting the Winery
The winery offers a variety of tasting experiences by appointment, allowing visitors to explore its historic grounds and sample its acclaimed wines. Guests can enjoy guided tours of the estate, including the 19th-century Manor House and wine caves, providing insight into the winery’s rich history and winemaking practices. 
Ownership and Management
Currently, Stags’ Leap Winery is owned by Treasury Wine Estates, a global wine company that acquired the estate in the late 1990s. The winery continues to uphold its legacy of producing high-quality wines that reflect the character and elegance of the Stags Leap District. "
Lizza G
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
From San Francisco, take I-80 East across the Bay Bridge towards Sacramento. Continue on I-80 E and take exit 48 for CA-37 W towards US-101 N. Merge onto CA-37 W, then take the exit for US-101 N. Take the exit for CA-37 E towards Napa. Continue on CA-37 E, which will merge into CA-29 N. Follow CA-29 N into Napa Valley and look for signs for Stags Leap District and Stags' Leap Winery. The drive is approximately 1.5 to 2 hours depending on traffic.
Stags' Leap Winery offers on-site parking for visitors. It's recommended to arrive a little early for your reservation to ensure a convenient spot, especially during peak season.
Public transportation options directly to Stags' Leap Winery are limited. It's best to arrange private transportation, a ride-sharing service, or a designated driver for your visit to Napa Valley.
Yes, Stags' Leap Winery is a popular day trip destination from San Francisco. Plan for at least a full day to account for travel time and your tasting experience.
For visiting multiple wineries, including Stags' Leap, consider hiring a private driver, using a wine tour service, or utilizing ride-sharing apps. Driving yourself is not recommended due to strict DUI laws.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Yes, reservations are required for all tasting experiences at Stags' Leap Winery. It's highly recommended to book well in advance, especially for weekend visits.
Stags' Leap Winery offers various tasting experiences, often including seated tastings on their porch or in their historic manor. Prices can vary, but expect them to be in the premium range for Napa Valley. It's best to check their official website for the most current offerings and pricing.
Stags' Leap Winery typically operates from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM daily, but hours can vary seasonally. Always check their official website or call ahead to confirm their current operating hours before your visit.
Walk-in tastings are generally not available at Stags' Leap Winery as reservations are mandatory to manage visitor flow and ensure a quality experience.
A tasting experience usually includes a selection of their signature wines, often paired with small bites like cheese or charcuterie. The duration and specific wines tasted will depend on the package you book.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Established in 1893, Stags' Leap Winery is one of the oldest estates in the Stags Leap District. It has a storied past, including a period during Prohibition and a significant revitalization in the 1970s. It's known for its elegant wines and historic architecture.
Stags' Leap Winery is particularly renowned for its Petite Sirah. They also produce acclaimed Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Merlot, and Viognier, often described as having an 'old world' character.
Yes, Stags' Leap Winery often offers guided tours that may include the historic Manor House and wine caves, providing insights into their winemaking process and history. Check their website for availability and booking.
The 'Leap' likely refers to their signature wine, often a Cabernet Sauvignon or a blend, representing the estate's premium offerings. It's a key part of their portfolio, showcasing the Stags Leap District terroir.
Stags' Leap Winery (no apostrophe) and Stag's Leap Wine Cellars (apostrophe) are two distinct wineries. Stag's Leap Wine Cellars famously won the 1976 Judgment of Paris. Stags' Leap Winery, established earlier, is known for its historic estate and Petite Sirah.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, Stags' Leap Winery often includes artisanal cheese and charcuterie boards as accompaniments to their wine tastings, enhancing the overall experience.
Yes, the Stags Leap District and nearby Yountville offer a range of dining options, from casual cafes to Michelin-starred restaurants. The Model Bakery is a popular spot for breakfast or lunch.
Typically, wineries like Stags' Leap do not allow outside food to be consumed on their premises, especially during tasting experiences. It's best to enjoy their provided pairings or dine at a nearby restaurant.
Given their focus on Petite Sirah and Cabernet Sauvignon, rich dishes like grilled meats, stews, and aged cheeses pair wonderfully. Their wines are often described as having an 'old world' character, complementing robust flavors.
Stags' Leap Winery does not have a full-service restaurant on-site. However, they do offer curated food pairings as part of their tasting experiences.
📸 📸 Photography
The historic Manor House, the vineyard vistas from the porch, and the rolling hills of the Stags Leap District offer incredible photo opportunities. The architecture and natural beauty are very photogenic.
Photography is generally allowed for personal use at Stags' Leap Winery, especially to capture the scenery and architecture. However, it's always polite to be mindful of other guests and staff.
The 'golden hours' – shortly after sunrise and before sunset – offer the most beautiful light for photography. However, the estate is picturesque throughout the day.
While personal photography is usually permitted, professional photoshoots or commercial filming may require special permits and advance arrangements. Always check with the winery if you have specific photography needs.
Both smartphones with good camera capabilities and dedicated cameras will work well. Wide-angle lenses are great for capturing the expansive vineyard views, while telephoto lenses can focus on architectural details.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Focus on the scenic aspects of the estate, perhaps a short walk through a designated vineyard path (if permitted and safe), and the impressive architecture. Ensure children are supervised at all times and understand that wine tasting is for adults. Bringing quiet activities or snacks for them might be helpful during the tasting portion.
💰 Budget Travelers
Look for wineries that offer more basic tasting experiences or focus on the vineyard views and grounds if a full tasting is out of budget. Alternatively, enjoy the scenery from the outside and perhaps purchase a bottle to enjoy at a picnic spot elsewhere in Napa Valley.
🥂 Couples
Consider booking a later afternoon tasting to enjoy the golden hour light, which adds to the romantic ambiance. The historic manor and serene grounds also offer lovely opportunities for quiet strolls and shared moments.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Legacy of Stags' Leap: History and Renown
While the winery has seen ownership changes over the decades, its commitment to quality winemaking has remained. It's particularly celebrated for its Petite Sirah, a varietal that has become synonymous with the estate. Beyond Petite Sirah, Stags' Leap produces a range of other acclaimed wines, including Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, and Merlot, each reflecting the unique terroir of the Stags Leap District.
Visitors often praise the winery for its knowledgeable staff and the historical context provided during tastings. The blend of a storied past, beautiful estate, and high-quality wines makes Stags' Leap Winery a compelling destination for wine enthusiasts and history buffs alike.
Navigating Napa's Similar Names: Stags' Leap vs. Stag's Leap
Stag's Leap Wine Cellars gained international fame after its 1973 Cabernet Sauvignon triumphed over prestigious French wines at the 1976 Judgment of Paris, a pivotal moment that elevated Napa Valley's status on the global wine map. They are known for their powerful and elegant Cabernet Sauvignons, including the iconic SLV and Fay bottlings.
Stags' Leap Winery, on the other hand, is the older estate, established in 1893. While also producing excellent Cabernet Sauvignon, it is particularly celebrated for its Petite Sirah. Visitors often highlight the historic manor and the serene vineyard setting as key attractions. Being aware of this distinction will ensure you book the correct tasting experience you intend.
The Art of the Tasting Experience at Stags' Leap
The staff at Stags' Leap are frequently commended for their knowledgeable and approachable demeanor. They expertly guide guests through the tasting, sharing insights into the winemaking process, the history of the estate, and the nuances of each wine. This personalized attention elevates the experience, making guests feel welcomed and informed.
Complementary artisanal cheese and charcuterie boards are often part of the tasting, thoughtfully selected to enhance the flavors of the wines. This attention to detail, combined with the beautiful setting and exceptional wines like their signature Petite Sirah and Cabernet Sauvignon, makes a tasting at Stags' Leap a truly memorable occasion.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit