The Stags Leap District—an American wine appellation in the Napa Valley—has a legendary history. The District became famous in 1976 at the iconic “Judgement of Paris,” where—at a blind tasting—nine French judges awarded first place to the 1973 Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon over such notable French producers as Mouton-Rothschild and Haut Brion. This historical event became a benchmark for the California wine industry and a pivotal turning point for the Stags Leap District. The monumental impact was reinforced when the same wines were tasted a second time ten years later. This time, the winner was yet another wine from the Stags Leap District: the 1972 Clos Du Val Cabernet Sauvignon.Each year, the Stags Leap District offers a rare opportunity for visitors to gain access to vintner’s private homes and visit historic wineries such as Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars and Clos du Val during their Vineyard to Vintner weekend. During this spectacular weekend, you experience the real Napa Valley through first-hand access to the people and the wines of the Stags Leap District. Surrounded by world-famous vineyards and glorious views, you will attend intimate library wine dinners, winery open houses, private tastings, and brunch with Stags Leap District owners and winemakers. Limited to only 500 guests, this behind-the-scenes weekend offers a rare experience.
The weekend begins with an exclusive Vintner-Hosted Library Wine Dinners. Winery owners and vintners dig deep into their cellars and share their most cherished library wines to accompany these intimate dinners. Choose among Chimney Rock Winery, Odette Estate Winery, Pine Ridge Vineyards, and Shafer Vineyards, as four celebrated chefs create Cabernet-inspired menus. Each venue’s dinner offers an unforgettable night of world-class wines and warm neighborhood hospitality.
The following day Winery Open Houses allows access to all 19 historic Stags Leap District wineries and their winemakers and owners. Wind your way up and down the Silverado Trail from one prestigious venue to the next, while discovering winery caves, enjoying special barrel tastings, exploring cellars, and enjoying food and wine pairings, all the while increasing your wine knowledge.
The weekend wraps up with a Sunday Vintner-Hosted Brunch and Appellation Collection Tasting at Silverado Vineyards where you are privy to the Association’s exclusive Appellation Collection, a compilation of 19 world-class Cabernet Sauvignons released annually in the fall. Stroll through Silverado Vineyards’ umbrella-filled courtyard and enjoy a delicious farm-to-table brunch catered by the Michelin-starred Meadowood Resort while you taste the wines in the Appellation Collection.
Tickets and Additional Information:
Prices range from $625 for a three-day pass to $500 for a two-day pass (Friday/Saturday), $300 for a two-day pass (Saturday/Sunday), and $175 for a Saturday single-day pass. “Signature Wine Weekends for Two” packages are available for $3,150 and include two passes for all three days of the event, plus the coveted limited 2013 Appellation Collection of 19 Handcrafted 2013 Stags Leap District Designated Cabernet Sauvignons, each signed exclusively by the vintners. More information can be found at www.stagsleapdistrict.com/V2V. ■
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