Californiawithin Napa Valley

Stags Leap District

A narrow volcanic benchland whose elegant, restrained Cabernet won global recognition at the 1976 Judgment of Paris.

Est. 1989

History

The district's modern reputation was sealed when Stag's Leap Wine Cellars' 1973 Cabernet won the 1976 Judgment of Paris ^[1]. The AVA was established in 1989, distinguishing the volcanic benchland east of the Napa River ^[2]. Named for a Wappo legend of a stag leaping the palisades to escape hunters, the area's viticulture dates to the 1870s ^[2].

Dominant Varietals

, Merlot, Cabernet Franc

Notable Producers

· Stag's Leap Wine Cellars
· Shafer Vineyards
· Chimney Rock
· Stags' Leap Winery

Culinary Tradition

Stags Leap's softer, elegant tannins and lifted aromatics pair with refined preparations — duck breast with cherry, or herb-crusted lamb — where the wine's finesse is not overwhelmed.

Explore pairings