Stag's Leap Wine Cellars
Wine Tasting & Tours in Napa Valley
5766 Silverado Trail, Napa, CA 94558
Stag's Leap Wine Cellars is a winery in Napa Valley, known for its exceptional wines and tasting experiences. Visitors can enjoy guided tastings in a relaxed setting with expert commentary. It is featured on LocalTastingTours' Napa Valley wine tasting experiences.
About Stag's Leap Wine Cellars
Stag's Leap Wine Cellars holds one of the most significant places in wine history. In 1976, the estate's 1973 S.L.V. Cabernet Sauvignon triumphed over some of France's most revered Bordeaux in the legendary Judgment of Paris — a blind tasting that shattered the assumption of European superiority and put Napa Valley on the world wine map forever. That single bottle changed the trajectory of American winemaking, and the S.L.V. vineyard that produced it continues to be one of Napa's most prized sites.
The estate's two flagship vineyards — S.L.V. (Stag's Leap Vineyard) and FAY — sit at the base of the dramatic Stags Leap Palisades, volcanic rock formations that create a unique microclimate. The rocky, well-drained soils and afternoon thermal dynamics produce Cabernet Sauvignon with a signature combination of power and elegance that is instantly recognizable. The Cask 23, a selection of the finest lots from both S.L.V. and FAY, is one of Napa's most collected and age-worthy wines.
Today the estate is owned by Ste. Michelle Wine Estates and continues to produce wines of extraordinary quality under the direction of winemaker Marcus Notaro. The new visitor centre, completed in recent years, is a modern architectural gem that provides a fitting home for one of wine's most storied producers. A visit here is simultaneously a history lesson and a masterclass in what Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon can achieve at its finest.
What to Expect
The tasting experience at Stag's Leap Wine Cellars is designed to immerse visitors in the estate's history and terroir. The standard Estate Tasting includes pours of ARTEMIS, FAY, and S.L.V. Cabernet Sauvignon — offering a progression from the accessible to the sublime. For a deeper experience, the Cellarius Kitchen & Cave experience pairs library wines with seasonal dishes in the estate's stunning cave setting.
The modern visitor centre frames views of the S.L.V. vineyard and the iconic Stags Leap Palisades rising behind it. The tasting room team are deeply versed in the estate's history and passionate about sharing the story of the 1976 tasting. This is one of the few Napa estates where every pour comes with genuine historical weight — the wine in your glass is the direct descendant of the bottle that changed everything.
Wines to Try
Visitor Tips
Reservations are essential — book at least a week ahead for standard tastings, further for premium experiences. The S.L.V. Cabernet Sauvignon is the must-try pour; it is the wine that made history and remains the estate's purest expression. If your budget allows, the Cask 23 experience is extraordinary. The estate is located on the Silverado Trail, slightly off the main Highway 29 corridor — the drive itself is beautiful and less congested. Visit in the morning for a quieter, more personal experience.
Visit Stag's Leap Wine Cellars on a Guided Wine Tasting Tour
See Stag's Leap Wine Cellars with an expert local guide as part of our curated Napa Valley wine tasting experience. Small groups of max 6 guests only.
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