Stags Leap District · Napa4.9 · 699
Baldacci Family Vineyards
Michael Baldacci pours his family's Black Label Cabernet Sauvignon in a private tasting room.
Reservation
$$$From $85
Stags Leap District Wineries
12 wineries to explore|Known for Cabernet Sauvignon
About Stags Leap District
Stags Leap District is where Napa Valley changed world wine history — the 1973 Stag's Leap Wine Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon won the 1976 Judgment of Paris against top Bordeaux. This tiny appellation (3 miles by 1 mile) was the first US AVA designated based on distinct soil qualities.
Stags Leap District earned its place in wine history when its Cabernet Sauvignon triumphed at the legendary 1976 Judgment of Paris, forever changing the global perception of California wine. Today, the district continues to produce some of the most elegant and age-worthy Cabernets in Napa Valley.
Tucked into a pocket on the eastern side of the valley, the district is defined by dramatic volcanic palisades that trap afternoon heat while allowing cool evening breezes to flow through. This unique geography produces Cabernets known for their silky tannins and distinctive cherry-iron character.
Top Experiences in Stags Leap District
- Stag's Leap Wine Cellars — where the Judgment of Paris wine was made
- Shafer Vineyards — one of the district's most acclaimed producers
- Cliff Lede Vineyards — stunning views and acclaimed Cabernets
- Photography of the dramatic volcanic palisades that define the district
Local Tip
Afternoon breezes from San Pablo Bay create a wind tunnel through the palisades that actually slows photosynthesis, extending the growing season and giving Stags Leap Cabernets their signature silky, polished tannins.
Known For
Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot
Terroir
Volcanic and alluvial soils in a sheltered eastern valley pocket with distinctive microclimate
Best Time to Visit
Spring through fall; dramatic palisade views year-round
Wineries in Stags Leap District
12 wineries to explore — sorted by rating, verified wineries first.
Stags Leap District · Napa4.5 · 475
Stag's Leap Wine Cellars
The 1973 S.L.V. Cabernet Sauvignon won the Judgment of Paris in 1976.
Reservation
$$$From $95
Stags Leap District · Napa4.6 · 204
The Duckhorn Collection at Paraduxx
Napa Valley's only winery devoted entirely to red blends, founded in 1994 by Dan and Margaret Duckhorn.
ReservationDog OKKid Friendly*
$$$From $65
Stags Leap District · Napa4.4 · 288
Stags' Leap Winery
The Grigsby family planted this estate in 1872, and Petite Sirah remains a signature today.
Reservation
$$$From $85
Stags Leap District · Napa4.8 · 240
Odette Estate Winery
This LEED Gold Certified estate in Stags Leap District pours Cabernet Sauvignon grown on-site.
Dog OKKid Friendly*
$$From $40Preview
Stags Leap District · Napa4.6 · 305
Clos Du Val
Founded in 1972 by Bernard Portet and the Goelet family, now led by third-generation owner Olav Goelet.
Dog OK
$$$From $75Preview
Stags Leap District · Napa4.6 · 184
Cliff Lede Vineyards
Cliff Lede names its estate blocks after rock songs and hosts tastings in a lounge lined with rock legend artwork.
ReservationDog OK
$$From $30Preview
Stags Leap District · Napa4.5 · 340
Chimney Rock Winery
Chimney Rock's 2021 Stags Leap District Cabernet ranked #5 in Wine Spectator's 2024 list.
Dog OKKid Friendly
$$$From $60Preview
Stags Leap District · Napa4.7 · 162
Regusci Winery
Gaetano Regusci bought this ranch in the 1930s, and five generations later his family still farms it.
ReservationDog OK
$$From $45Preview
Stags Leap District · Napa4.5 · 285
Pine Ridge Vineyards
Gary Andrus founded Pine Ridge in 1978 to farm 47 acres in the Stags Leap District.
Dog OKKid Friendly
$$$From $60Preview
Stags Leap District · Napa4.8 · 53
Shafer Vineyards
Winemaker Elias Fernandez has made 40 consecutive harvests here, shaping Hillside Select.
Reservation
$$$$From $140Preview
Stags Leap District · Napa4.3 · 229
Silverado Vineyards
Founded by Ron and Diane Miller and Lillian Disney, producing estate Cabernets from Stags Leap District and Coombsville.
$$From $50Preview
Day Trips in Stags Leap District
Where to Stay Near Stags Leap District
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HotelRutherford · Napa4.7 · 1,755
Auberge du Soleil
Auberge du Soleil terraces down a Rutherford hillside planted with heritage olive and oak trees.
Adults OnlyWine LoversRomantic Getaways
★★★★★
HotelCalistoga · Napa4.7 · 1,151
Solage, Auberge Collection
The 20,000-square-foot spa runs on Calistoga's geothermal water and books out weeks ahead.
Dog OK*Wine LoversLuxury Retreat
★★★★★
HotelSt. Helena · Napa4.7 · 504
Meadowood Napa Valley
A 250-acre estate on land first settled in 1961, with wood-lined cottages scattered across oak groves.
Kid FriendlyWine LoversLuxury Retreat
★★★★★
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12 wineries · Cabernet Sauvignon