Luxury Meets Value: The Unbeatable 2019 Krupp Brothers Estates M5 Cabernet

The Krupp Brothers Winery  

Krupp Brothers Winery in Napa Valley has a fascinating history that intertwines a passion for medicine and winemaking. Founded by Jan Krupp, a physician whose curiosity about wine blossomed during his medical school years at Stanford, the winery reflects his dedication and love for the craft and precision. Introduced to wine by one of his professors, Jan spent nearly two decades as a home winemaker while simultaneously saving lives as an internist.

As Jan approached retirement, he decided to turn his winemaking hobby into a full-time venture. He purchased a vineyard in Napa’s prestigious Atlas Peak region, aiming to recreate the renowned wines of France’s Bordeaux houses by planting Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. In 1999, Jan’s ambitions grew, and he enlisted the help of his brother, Bart Krupp.

Together, the Krupp brothers undertook the ambitious project of developing the Stagecoach Vineyard, which now spans an incredible 500 acres of vines (the vineyard is entirely planted to France’s noble grapes). Their collaborative effort bore fruit, both literally and figuratively, and the Krupp Brothers Winery was established.

Today, it stands as one of the premier boutique wineries in Napa Valley, celebrated for its exceptional wines and the dedication of its founders. Winemaker Desiree O’Donovan produces around 1,600 cases of wine a year. 

Stagecoach Vineyard  

The history of Napa’s Stagecoach Vineyard traces back to the turbulent days of the Wild West when the infamous robber Black Bart targeted stagecoaches in St. Helena. As the chaotic era of the Wild West quieted down, European settlers began to recognize the region’s potential for viticulture, aspiring to produce wines reminiscent of those from their homeland.

However, the onset of Prohibition led to the vineyard’s abandonment, and it wasn’t until 1991 that the land found its way back to life. Jan Krupp, captivated by an advertisement for a fertile vineyard in Napa, decided to take on the challenge of revitalizing Stagecoach Vineyard. The journey was arduous, with the greatest obstacle being the lack of water on the land.

After numerous unsuccessful attempts to locate water, Jan enlisted the help of a renowned geologist, but still, no wells yielded results. In a turn of fate and out of sheer desperation, he sought the skills of a water witcher. Miraculously, with her rod, the water witcher discovered the much-needed water, breathing new life into the historic Stagecoach Vineyard.

Krupp Brothers Tasting Room  

Krupp Brothers Winery boasts two Napa Valley tasting rooms, one at the estate off of Silverado Trail, and the other in swanky downtown Napa. 

A visit to the Krupp Brothers estate on the Silverado Trail is a treat for the senses. This beautiful winery is situated right beneath the Vaca Mountains and the estate itself evokes the Tuscan-inspired architecture. 

Wine tastings are by appointment and include five wines paired with a tasty cheese and charcuterie platter for a cost of $95 per person.

Tastings at the Krupp Brothers downtown Napa tasting room are laid back and relaxed. The tasting room, which is conveniently located next to downtown Napa’s famous Oxbow Market, is open for customized wine flights and by the glass experiences. Tasting experiences here cost between $45 to $65 per person.