One Day: Stag’s Leap

The Stag’s Leap district lies nestled in the south-eastern nook of Napa Valley just north of Napa.  This district became famous after the Judgement of Paris tasting, and is also the home of one of Napa Valley’s cult offerings, the Shafer Hillside Select Cabernet.  Access to wineries in the Stag’s Leap district is along the Silverado Trail, which runs north-south along the eastern edge of the valley floor.  Being off the main highway helps reduce the traffic and crowds, though the more popular wineries still attract a number of guests.

Stag's Leap area wineries described below

Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars (Silverado Trail)  www.cask23.com

The namesake winery of the Stag’s Leap district, Stag’s Leap winery has been around long enough to participate in the Judgement of Paris tasting in 1976.  The buildings at Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars suggest the look of a California mission.  The winery features stone-faced walls with vines spilling over the rooftop of its architecture.  When you enter the tasting room, you will find two tasting bars – go for the Estate tasting to experience their best Cabernets.  The Cask 23 is a truly remarkable wine, but is not produced in every vintage.

Baldacci (Silverado Trail)  www.baldaccivineyards.com

Practically across the roadway from Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars is Baldacci Vineyards, a much smaller winemaking operation by comparison.  Although the tasting room is on the smaller side, the comfortable climate of most Napa Valley afternoons invites tasters outdoors to enjoy their wines while overlooking the vineyards hard at work on the upcoming vintage.

Silverado (Silverado Trail)  www.silveradovineyards.com

When it comes to vistas of the Yountville and Oakville vineyard plains, it is hard to beat the view from Silverado Vineyards.  The winery sits atop a short hill at the edge of the valley floor.  The slight elevation allows for panoramic views of the valley floor just below.  The large tasting room features ample window space for viewing, but I like the outdoor patio where you can enjoy it all:  good wine, fresh air, and spectacular views.

Clos du Val (Silverado Trail)  www.closduval.com

Another entry in the Judgment of Paris tasting was the Clos du Val Cabernet Sauvignon.  The winery building takes a more conservative, old-world approach to its architecture, focusing on classic intricate stonework rather than fabulous design.  The tasting room offers a number of flights, but I have to recommend the reserve flight where you can taste their single vineyard Cabernets from current and older releases.