Why You Should Experience Chimney Rock Winery’s Cabernet Sauvignon

Chimney Rock Winery spans a beautiful 100-acre estate in the Stags Leap District of California’s wine country. It produces high-quality cabernet sauvignon and offers the perfect setting for you to savor the beauty and ambiance of the wine and the surrounding landscape.

A visit to Napa Valley is not complete without exploring at least a few of the wineries, restaurants, and maybe even a little shopping for good measure. Download our free Vacation Guide for our recommendations for the best places to go during your stay, including Chimney Rock Winery.

Chimney Rock Winery History

The first bottles of wine produced at Chimney Rock Winery were bottled in 1989. It was then owned by Hack and Stella Wilson who purchased a 180-acre parcel on the east side of the Silverado Trail in 1980 (which included a golf course!) and planted a vineyard shortly thereafter. The vineyard’s subsequent milestones included the addition of the Cape Dutch-style tasting room to match the Wilsons’ country house, and the unfortunate need to replant the entire vineyard due to phylloxera.

While the latter was a setback, there was a silver lining. The new vines that were planted better matched the soil in the Stags Leap District and laid the groundwork for the lovely red wines Chimney Rock produces today. Red Bordeaux-variety grapes flourish in this region, and so the acreage was planted with Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot.

Several years later, the Terlato family became partners in the winery and eventually assumed sole ownership in 2004. Under their guidance, the Terlato family has gone on to establish the Chimney Rock name as one synonymous with world-class Cabernet Sauvignon.

The winery now spans 119 acres and is divided into 28 distinct blocks. The division allows for a highly specialized viticulture that best matches the soil and conditions in each area.

Chimney Rock Cabernet Sauvignon

Wine is produced at Chimney Rock under the influence of Winemaker Elizabeth Vianna. Her philosophy of winemaking reflects and respects the journey that begins in the fields and ends with a satisfied sip.

Chimney Rock describes its hand-crafted Cabernet Sauvignon from their estate vineyards as “finely structured with supple tannins that make this wine approachable upon release, this elegant wine can also be enjoyed following years in the cellar.” This rich red is powerful yet maintains finesse.

Tours & Tastings

The winery is open daily from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. There are seven different tastings available for you to enjoy:

Classic Tasting

Seated Patio Tasting

Flagship Vertical Tasting

Palisades Preview Seated Tasting

Estate Tour & Barrel Tasting

Vineyard Odyssey Tour and Tasting

Ganymede Private Tour & Lunch

Each tasting is an experience in and of itself. However, the Ganymede Private Tour & Lunch is certainly a treat for the senses. Ganymede is the name of one of its most beloved vineyard blocks and the name of a cup-bearer to the gods in a fable. You’ll begin with a private guided tour of the estate vineyards and the cellars followed by a seated tasting of wines and lunch with wine service. Reservations are required.

Stay at Churchill Manor in Our Stags Leap Room

Churchill Manor Bed & Breakfast is just 15 minutes from Chimney Rock Winery. We recommend you stay in our Stags Leap Room, which is only fitting since you’ll be exploring this magnificent terroir during your wine tasting experience.

Stags Leap is part of what makes Churchill Manor the most inviting bed and breakfast Napa Valley offers. This premium room is on the second floor and was the original master suite of Edward Churchill. It’s the perfect place to get an excellent night’s rest in the king bed, snuggle up next to the wood-burning fireplace with a book. Don’t miss our gourmet breakfast served each morning, which is an incredible way to begin your day in the California wine country. Browse all of our accommodations, check our availability and book today! We look forward to welcoming you!