If you’ve ever visited Stags’ Leap Winery, chances are you felt a sense of welcome. Hospitality is a tradition woven through our history that makes us who we are today. Our winery’s story is one of dear friends, lavish gatherings, big events, and good times, all built around being great hosts.
We want to share how our heritage has shaped who we are today and how you can create your own Stags’ Leap Winery story at home or with us here at the vineyard.
Our Story Is All About Hospitality
In 1981, Napa Valley was the first region in California to receive the designation of American Viticultural Area, but our history stretches back much further than that. In 1872, the Grigsby family purchased a 700-acre plot of land that would become the Stags’ Leap Winery known today.
Thirteen years after the Grigsbys planted grapes, they transferred the property to W.W. Thompson and H.H. Harris, who later conveyed his interest in the land to Thompson’s nephew, Horace Blanchard Chase. In the late 1880s, Horace Chase and Mary Ysabela “Minnie” Mizner met at Soda Springs Resort in the hills outside Napa. They fell in love and were married in 1888.
The Chase family was renowned for their hospitality. In the warmer summer months, they hosted the scions of San Francisco during an era of great wealth stemming from gold and silver mining. Their welcoming spirit still influences the winery’s culture today.
In 1913, the property was purchased by Clarence and Frances Grange, who were prominent members of San Francisco society. The Granges lived in the Manor House with their two children until 1956. Though the family did not intend to make wine, the vineyards remained in production.
Most of the responsibilities of running the property fell to Frances, after an accident that left Clarence unable to work. Frances created an upscale destination, Stags' Leap Manor, which became known as one of the most prominent resorts in Napa Valley.
In 1970, Carl Doumani and his wife, Joanne, purchased a portion of the property. Doumani was a Los Angeles restaurateur who first came to Napa Valley on a trip gifted by friends. He restored the property and the vineyards, and resumed winemaking under the Stags’ Leap Winery label.
The Doumani family’s ownership transformed Stags’ Leap Winery from a small operation in which Carl often wore many hats to a fully staffed, 85,000-case facility with a reputation for excellence and a cult following for its Petite Sirah.
In 1996, Carl Doumani sold the property to Beringer, now a part of Treasury Wine Estates. Construction began on a 28,000 sq. ft. wine cave carved from the volcanic rhyolite rock of the Stags Leap Palisades. Landscape designer Jonathan Plant added the Apothecary and Sensory Garden to the existing kitchen garden on the north side of the Manor House.
The Manor House
In 1890, Horace Chase hired Mathias Vandeleur, a stonemason and bridge builder, to construct the Manor House with stones from a nearby hillside as a summer retreat for the Chase family. Castle-like and based on English Renaissance style, with an interior in the Arts and Crafts style popular at that time, the house is alive with history. It continues to be the perfect place to relax, unwind, and share time with loved ones over a glass of our delicious wine.
The Manor is also home to many secrets, legends, and peculiar stories. One of our favorites is a speakeasy hidden behind a post office established in the basement of the Manor House during Prohibition.
Feel the Difference
Tucked off the Silverado Trail, Stags’ Leap Winery offers a tranquil environment where you can clear your mind, stay a while, and immerse yourself in the full sensory experience of outstanding wine. Free from distractions, you’ll truly appreciate the layered, nuanced flavors, scents, and character of our terroir, whether you’re making yourself at home on the porch, sipping in the garden, or strolling through our home vineyard. The rejuvenating feeling of our lush, peaceful space is just one of the reasons we were honored with the Best of Napa County 2025 Gold Award for Winery Tasting Rooms. We encourage you to book a visit today.
This season, we’re excited to offer guests our favorite refreshing wines, like Stags’ Leap Winery 2023 Napa Valley Chardonnay, our 2023 Napa Valley Viognier, or our 2022 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon that match the warmer days and sunnier weather. When you visit, our team will help you find the perfect varietal to enhance your experience.
Can’t Miss Experiences
Hospitality is our legacy and while there’s no wrong way to experience Stags’ Leap Winery, we have a few suggestions for your first time at the vineyard.
Tasting Experiences. Stags’ Leap Winery offers a variety of tasting experiences perfect for feeling the grandeur of the vineyard firsthand. Our Manor House Experience gives guests a full tour of the storied home and dives into the history of the property, our unique terroir, and why our wine is unlike any other. After that, you’ll taste some of our most-beloved varietals. For those who want more adventure, our Take the Leap experience is a guided tour of our entire property, followed by samplings of some of our most highly regarded limited-release estate wines. Be sure to check out our website for additional offerings, booking details, and new tasting experiences on the way!
Our Many Curiosities. So many years, so many legends: Come experience them firsthand! Our pool, one of the first in California, features sea creatures painted by a family guest. Look for the speakeasy under the foyer floor. There’s even a ghost or two, but don’t worry, our spirits are as hospitable as we are.
Member-Exclusive Benefits. Wine Club members enjoy complimentary tastings, private experiences, like picnics by the bocce court, and early access to limited-edition wines.
FAQs
When is the best time to come to Stags’ Leap Winery?
Napa Valley is the perfect escape year-round! However, different seasons offer different experiences. The summer is vibrant and sunny with warm days and bustling crowds. Fall is harvest season, so you’ll see the vineyard in full swing. Winter is cozy; the crowds are smaller, and it’s a great time to settle in with a glass of Cabernet. Spring is refreshing with blooming vines and mild weather.
How do I book a visit?
Click here to learn about our exciting tasting experiences and claim your spot.
