This Winery Is Permanently Closed.
Winery Rating
Located at:
6150 Silverado Trail, Napa, CA 94558
Wine Club Rating
Price Range For Tasting
If you’ve ever searched for Stags’ Leap Winery and found yourself staring at Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars, wondering if they’re the same place, you’re not alone. It’s one of Napa’s longest-running name mix-ups.
Here’s the backstory:
Both wineries took their name from the Stags Leap District, a region named after the legend of a stag leaping over a rocky palisade to escape hunters. The naming dispute was so serious that it went to the California Supreme Court, which ruled that both wineries could keep their names—as long as they placed the apostrophe differently.
And just to add to the confusion, the Stags Leap District AVA itself doesn’t have an apostrophe at all.
So, if you’re looking for the bold, brooding Petite Sirah and an intimate, estate-focused experience, you’re in the right place—Stags’ Leap Winery.
History
Established in 1972 by Carl Doumani, Stags’ Leap Winery is built on land that has been used for growing grapes since the late 1800s. While the winery itself has gone through different owners over the years, its commitment to producing top-tier wines from the Stags Leap District has remained the same.
This estate is particularly famous for Petite Sirah, a grape that has deep roots in Napa but doesn’t always get the attention it deserves. Under Doumani’s leadership, Stags’ Leap Winery turned this underdog varietal into a flagship wine, showing off its rich, inky depth and age-worthy structure.
Today, the winery is owned by Treasury Wine Estates, Australia’s largest wine company, which has continued to invest in quality while maintaining the historic charm of the estate.
At the helm of Stags’ Leap Winery is Ludovic “Ludo” Dervin, a winemaker with an impressive and unconventional background.
Ludo was born and raised in France’s Champagne region, where he developed an early love for vineyards (and a knack for foraging wild mushrooms). His scientific mind initially led him to microbiology, but winemaking ultimately pulled him back in. He earned his degree in viticulture and enology from the University of Reims before launching a career that took him across the globe.
Before landing in Napa, he worked in Greece, South Africa, France, and California, learning the nuances of both Old and New World winemaking. His resume includes stints at Piper Sonoma, Kendall-Jackson, Hartford Court, and Mumm Napa, where he spent 17 years as head winemaker.
At Stags’ Leap, Ludo brings precision, balance, and a deep understanding of terroir-driven wines. His approach blends Old World techniques with New World innovation, creating wines that are expressive, layered, and worthy of their Napa pedigree.
If you’re looking for classic Napa Valley beauty, Stags’ Leap Winery delivers. The estate sits along the Silverado Trail, surrounded by rugged hills, vineyards, and stunning views of the Palisades cliffs.
The tasting room is housed in the historic Manor House, a gorgeous stone building that dates back to the 19th century. The interiors are cozy yet elegant, featuring dark wood, antique furnishings, and a welcoming, intimate atmosphere. Whether you’re inside or out on the scenic terrace, the views are nothing short of spectacular.
Beyond the tasting room, the estate has lush gardens, a historic stone winery, and even remnants of its original 19th-century winemaking facilities. It’s the kind of place where you can easily lose track of time, sipping wine while soaking in the surroundings.
For those who fall in love with Stags’ Leap wines, the wine club is a fantastic way to keep the experience going. With a 5-star rating, it’s clear that members appreciate the exclusive access and curated selections.
With its focus on quality over quantity, this club is perfect for those who appreciate collectible, age-worthy wines from one of Napa’s most storied estates.
Unlike some Napa wineries where you can just pop in, Stags’ Leap Winery requires reservations, ensuring a more intimate and personalized experience.
Tasting fees range from $95 to $150, placing it on the higher end of Napa tastings—but considering the estate’s history, the winemaking expertise, and the caliber of wines poured, it’s well worth it.
For those looking for a more immersive experience, private tastings and estate tours are available by appointment. These deeper dives into the vineyard and winemaking process offer a behind-the-scenes look at what makes Stags’ Leap wines so special.
Stags’ Leap Winery isn’t just a place to taste wine—it’s a place to experience Napa history. With its stunning estate, rich winemaking legacy, and a focus on bold, beautifully crafted wines, it’s an essential stop for any wine lover visiting Napa.
Winemaker Ludovic Dervin brings a global perspective and technical expertise, ensuring that every bottle reflects the best of the Stags Leap District. While the Petite Sirah is the star of the show, the Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Chardonnay are just as compelling.
Sure, you might have to double-check the apostrophe to make sure you’re headed to the right winery, but once you arrive, you’ll be glad you did.
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