Chappellet Winery: A Guide to Napa Valley's Iconic Estate

Chappellet Winery is a family-owned winery located in the eastern hills of the Napa Valley, California. The winery was founded in 1967 by Donn and Molly Chappellet, who were among the first to realize the potential of the Pritchard Hill region for producing high-quality Cabernet Sauvignon. Today, the winery is run by the second generation of the Chappellet family and continues to produce some of the most compelling wines in the Napa Valley.

The winery's location on Pritchard Hill provides a unique terroir that has become synonymous with the Chappellet name. The vineyards are situated at an elevation of 1,800 feet above sea level, which allows for cooler temperatures and longer growing seasons. The winery's commitment to sustainable farming practices ensures that the grapes are of the highest quality, resulting in wines that are complex, balanced, and expressive.

Chappellet Winery is known for its Cabernet Sauvignon, which has been consistently rated among the finest in the region. The winery also produces other varietals, such as Chardonnay, Chenin Blanc, and Merlot, all of which showcase the unique character of the Pritchard Hill terroir. With its stunning views, exceptional wines, and commitment to sustainability, Chappellet Winery is a must-visit destination for any wine lover visiting the Napa Valley.

History and Legacy

Chappellet Winery has a rich history and enduring legacy as one of the world's most acclaimed producers of Cabernet Sauvignon. The winery was founded in 1967 by Donn and Molly Chappellet, a couple from Beverly Hills who wanted to raise their family in a more rural setting and moved to Napa Valley in the mid to late 1960s.

Founders Donn and Molly Chappellet

Donn Chappellet was a visionary who had a deep passion for winemaking. He believed that the rugged slopes of Pritchard Hill were the ideal location to cultivate world-class grapes. With this in mind, he and Molly purchased a 320-acre property on Pritchard Hill and began planting vines in 1967.

The first vintage of Chappellet wine was released in 1969, and it was an instant success. The wine was praised for its depth, complexity, and elegance. Today, Chappellet Winery is still owned and operated by the Chappellet family, and it remains committed to producing high-quality wines that reflect the unique terroir of Pritchard Hill.

Influence of André Tchelistcheff

André Tchelistcheff, a legendary winemaker and consultant, played a significant role in the success of Chappellet Winery. He was hired by Donn Chappellet in the early 1970s to help improve the quality of the wines, and his influence can still be seen in the winemaking practices at Chappellet today.

Tchelistcheff helped Donn Chappellet refine his winemaking techniques, and he introduced him to the concept of "terroir," which is the idea that the environment in which grapes are grown has a significant impact on the flavor and character of the resulting wine. Tchelistcheff also helped Chappellet Winery become one of the first wineries in California to focus on single-vineyard bottlings, which showcase the unique characteristics of a particular vineyard.

Overall, the history and legacy of Chappellet Winery are a testament to the vision and dedication of Donn and Molly Chappellet. Their commitment to producing high-quality wines that reflect the unique terroir of Pritchard Hill has helped establish Chappellet as one of the most respected wineries in the world.

Vineyards and Terroir

Chappellet Winery's vineyards are located in the eastern hills of Napa Valley, in an area called Pritchard Hill. This unique environment has a significant impact on the wines produced by the winery.

Pritchard Hill's Unique Environment

The vineyards at Chappellet Winery are situated at an elevation of 1,800 feet above sea level. This high altitude, combined with the rocky, volcanic soil, provides an ideal environment for grape cultivation. The soil is rich in minerals, which gives the grapes a distinct flavor profile. The rocky terrain also helps to regulate the temperature of the soil, which is important for grape maturation.

The vineyards are also surrounded by natural cover crops, which helps to promote biodiversity and reduce erosion. This sustainable farming practice ensures that the soil remains healthy and fertile for future grape cultivation.

Sustainable Farming Practices

Chappellet Winery is committed to sustainable farming practices. The vineyards are certified organic, which means that no synthetic fertilizers or pesticides are used. Instead, natural methods are used to control pests and promote healthy soil.

The winery also uses cover crops between the rows of grapevines, which helps to promote biodiversity and reduce erosion. This sustainable farming practice ensures that the soil remains healthy and fertile for future grape cultivation.

In conclusion, the unique environment of Pritchard Hill, combined with Chappellet Winery's commitment to sustainable farming practices, results in the production of high-quality wines with a distinct flavor profile.

Wine Portfolio

Chappellet Winery is renowned for producing some of the world's most compelling wines. Their portfolio includes a wide range of varietals and blends, each showcasing the unique terroir of Pritchard Hill.

Flagship Cabernet Sauvignon

Chappellet's flagship wine is their Cabernet Sauvignon, which is widely regarded as one of the best in Napa Valley. Made from grapes grown on the steep slopes of Pritchard Hill, this wine is a true expression of the region's terroir. It is rich and complex, with notes of dark fruit, chocolate, and spice. The wine is aged in French oak barrels for 22 months, which gives it a smooth and elegant finish.

Diverse Varietals and Blends

In addition to their Cabernet Sauvignon, Chappellet also produces a range of other varietals and blends. Their Chardonnay is a crisp and refreshing wine with notes of green apple and citrus. Their Chenin Blanc is a dry white wine with a bright acidity and flavors of pear and honey. Their Cabernet Franc is a traditional Bordeaux blend with Cabernet Franc at its base.

Chappellet also produces several red blends, including their Mountain Cuvee and Signature Cabernet Sauvignon. These blends are made from a combination of varietals, including Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Malbec, and Zinfandel. Each blend has its own unique flavor profile, but all are balanced and well-structured.

Overall, Chappellet Winery's wine portfolio is a testament to the quality of winemaking that can be achieved on Pritchard Hill. Their wines are rich, complex, and full of character, making them a favorite among wine lovers around the world.

Winemaking Philosophy

Chappellet Winery has a unique winemaking philosophy that is based on the principles of traditional, artisanal winemaking techniques. The winery believes that the key to producing high-quality wines lies in the use of natural, mountain-grown grapes, and the careful management of the winemaking process from vine to bottle.

Artisanal Techniques

Chappellet Winery uses a variety of artisanal techniques to produce its wines. For example, the winery carefully selects only the best grapes from its mountain vineyards, and then gently ferments and ages most blocks individually to maintain their distinctive character throughout the winemaking process. This approach allows the winery to produce wines that are rich, complex, and full of character.

In addition, Chappellet Winery uses a combination of new and old oak barrels to age its wines. The winery believes that the use of oak barrels is essential to the development of its wines, and carefully selects the type of oak and the level of toasting to ensure that the oak complements the fruit flavors and aromas of each wine.

Role of the Winemaker

The role of the winemaker at Chappellet Winery is to guide the winemaking process from start to finish. The winery's winemaker, Phillip Corallo-Titus, has been with the winery for over three decades and is renowned for his expertise in mountain-grown wines. He works closely with the vineyard team to ensure that the grapes are harvested at the optimal time and are carefully sorted and processed to ensure that only the best fruit is used in the winemaking process.

Once the grapes have been harvested, the winemaker oversees the fermentation process and carefully monitors the wine as it ages in oak barrels. The winemaker's goal is to produce wines that are balanced, complex, and expressive of the unique terroir of the winery's mountain vineyards.

Overall, Chappellet Winery's winemaking philosophy is focused on producing wines that are true to their mountain origins and reflect the unique character of the winery's vineyards. The winery's commitment to traditional, artisanal winemaking techniques, combined with the expertise of its winemaker, has resulted in a portfolio of exceptional wines that are highly sought after by wine enthusiasts around the world.

Tasting Experiences

Chappellet Winery offers a range of tasting experiences that allow guests to sample their award-winning wines while enjoying the stunning views of Pritchard Hill.

Guided Tours and Tastings

The guided tour and tasting experience at Chappellet is consistently rated among the finest in the region. During this behind-the-scenes tour, guests will learn about the history of the winery, the unique terroir of Pritchard Hill, and the winemaking process. The tour culminates in a seated tasting of Chappellet's current release wines, which are expertly paired with artisanal cheeses.

For those looking for a more in-depth experience, Chappellet also offers a Signature Cabernet Sauvignon Retrospective Tasting. This two-hour experience includes a barrel tasting in Chappellet's state-of-the-art Barrel Chai, followed by a seated library tasting of Chappellet's most celebrated Cabernet Sauvignons, expertly paired with artisanal cheeses.

Private and Group Options

Chappellet Winery offers private tastings for groups of up to 12 guests. These intimate tastings are held in the winery's private tasting room and feature a selection of Chappellet's most sought-after wines. Private tastings must be booked in advance and are subject to availability.

For wine club members, Chappellet offers exclusive tastings and events throughout the year. Wine club members enjoy access to limited-release wines, discounts on purchases, and invitations to members-only events.

Overall, a visit to Chappellet Winery is a must for any wine lover visiting Napa Valley. Reservations are required for all tastings, and the length of the visit varies depending on the experience chosen.

Visiting Chappellet

Chappellet Winery is nestled in the eastern hills of the Napa Valley, specifically in an area called Pritchard Hill, and is known for producing some of the world's most compelling Cabernet Sauvignons. If you're planning to visit this winery, here are some things you need to know.

Location and Accessibility

Chappellet Winery is located at 1581 Sage Canyon Road, St. Helena, CA 94574. It's about a 20-minute drive from downtown Napa. The winery is situated on a hilltop, offering breathtaking views of the valley. Visitors can take a guided tour of the estate, which includes a walk through the vineyards and a visit to the winemaking facility. The winery is not wheelchair accessible, as it is located on a hilltop and has many stairs.

Planning Your Visit

To make the most of your visit to Chappellet Winery, it's recommended that you make an appointment in advance. You can book a tasting appointment online or by calling the winery directly. The tasting experience at Chappellet is consistently rated among the finest in the region.

When planning your visit, keep in mind that the winery is closed on major holidays such as Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Day. The estate is open for tastings from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm daily, with the last appointment starting at 3:00 pm. Visitors are advised to arrive 15 minutes before their scheduled appointment.

General tips for visiting Chappellet Winery include wearing comfortable shoes and dressing in layers, as the weather can be unpredictable. Visitors are also reminded to bring a valid form of identification, as the winery is required by law to verify the age of all guests.

In conclusion, a visit to Chappellet Winery is a must for anyone looking to experience the best of Napa Valley. With its stunning location, exceptional wine, and knowledgeable guides, Chappellet is a must-visit for any wine lover.

Reputation and Recognition

Chappellet Winery has established its reputation as a producer of high-quality wines that reflect the unique terroir of Pritchard Hill in Napa Valley. The winery has received numerous awards and accolades from industry-leading publications and critics, which have helped cement its position as one of the top wineries in the region.

Awards and Accolades

Chappellet Winery has received critical acclaim for its wines, with many of its vintages receiving high scores and ratings from top wine critics. The winery has been recognized by Robert Parker's Wine Advocate for producing some of the most exciting Cabernets coming out of Napa. In addition, the winery has been awarded numerous awards and medals at prestigious wine competitions, including the San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition and the Decanter World Wine Awards.

Critical Reviews and Ratings

Chappellet Winery has consistently received high scores and ratings from top wine critics, including Robert Parker's Wine Advocate and Wine Spectator. The winery's flagship wine, the Chappellet Pritchard Hill Estate Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon, has received scores of 95 points or higher from both publications in multiple vintages. The winery's other wines, including its Chardonnay and Chenin Blanc, have also received critical acclaim from reviewers.

Despite the subjective nature of wine reviews, Chappellet Winery has maintained its commitment to transparency and accuracy in its ratings and reviews. The winery publishes an annual transparency report that details its winemaking practices and provides information on the scores and ratings it has received from various publications and critics.

Overall, Chappellet Winery has established itself as a top producer of high-quality wines that reflect the unique terroir of Pritchard Hill. Its commitment to transparency and accuracy in its reviews and ratings has helped solidify its reputation as a top winery in the region.

Community and Industry Impact

Chappellet Winery has made significant contributions to the wine industry and the local community. The winery's family-owned and operated business model has allowed them to maintain a deep connection to the land and the people who live and work on it.

Collaborations and Contributions

Chappellet Winery has collaborated with various wineries and organizations to promote sustainable viticulture practices. The winery is a member of the Continuum Estate, a group of wineries that share knowledge and resources to promote sustainable farming practices. Chappellet has also partnered with Bryant Family Vineyard to produce a limited-edition wine that benefits the Napa Valley Community Foundation.

The winery has also made significant contributions to the local community. Chappellet has donated to various organizations, including the Napa Valley Community Foundation and the Boys and Girls Club of Napa Valley. The winery has also supported local schools by donating to the Napa Valley Education Foundation.

Innovation and Leadership

Chappellet Winery has been a leader in the wine industry, known for its innovative approach to winemaking. The winery has been at the forefront of sustainable viticulture practices, using cover crops and natural pest control methods to reduce the use of pesticides and herbicides.

Chappellet Winery has also been a leader in the use of technology in winemaking. The winery uses a state-of-the-art fermentation system that allows for precise temperature control and gentle handling of the grapes. The system also reduces the need for manual labor, making the winemaking process more efficient.

Overall, Chappellet Winery's commitment to sustainable viticulture practices, community involvement, and innovation has made it a respected brand in the wine industry. The winery's dedication to quality and its deep connection to the land and the people who live and work on it have made it a leader in the Napa Valley wine community.