Stags Leap District

Napa Valley · Velvet Cabernet
22Wineries
Cabernet SauvignonSignature
Napa ValleyRegion
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Best Varietals
Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot
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Peak Season
Aug - Nov
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Region
Napa Valley
Known For
Cabernet Sauvignon
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🤓 Did You Know?
Stags Leap District Cabernet famously bested top Bordeaux at the 1976 Judgment of Paris.
Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot

Why This Region Matters

Stags Leap District is the small but mighty AVA whose Cabernet famously bested the great Bordeaux estates at the 1976 Judgment of Paris. Tucked against the dramatic palisades of the Vaca range, this compact district produces Cabernet of singular character, supple, velvety tannins wrapped around dark fruit and a violet perfume that connoisseurs prize as the most elegant expression in the valley.

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Cabernet Sauvignon Country
Stags Leap District is the small but mighty AVA whose Cabernet famously bested the great Bordeaux estates at the 1976 Judgment of Paris.
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Distinctive Climate
The Stags Leap palisades trap afternoon heat and radiate it back onto the vines, while the gap to San Pablo Bay funnels cooling evening breezes.
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22 Wineries
22 producers in Stags Leap District are catalogued on Wino Notion, from boutique family estates to established names.
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Part of Napa Valley
Stags Leap District is a distinct sub-region within Napa Valley, with its own character worth seeking out on any visit.

Climate & Terroir

The Stags Leap palisades trap afternoon heat and radiate it back onto the vines, while the gap to San Pablo Bay funnels cooling evening breezes. This push-pull produces full ripeness with soft, rounded tannins. Volcanic and alluvial soils underpin the district's signature velvet texture.

Visiting Stags Leap District

Stags Leap is rural and compact, just east of Yountville along the Silverado Trail.

Wineries in Stags Leap District

🗺 Wino Notion Visitor Tip
Stags Leap District rewards a focused visit. Stags Leap is rural and compact, just east of Yountville along the Silverado Trail. Call ahead, many of the best estates here are by appointment only.
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Frequently Asked Questions

What is Stags Leap District known for?

Stags Leap District is the small but mighty AVA whose Cabernet famously bested the great Bordeaux estates at the 1976 Judgment of Paris. Tucked against the dramatic palisades of the Vaca range, this compact district produces Cabernet of singular character, supple, velvety tannins wrapped around dark fruit and a violet perfume that connoisseurs prize as the most elegant expression in the valley.

What is the climate and terroir of Stags Leap District like?

The Stags Leap palisades trap afternoon heat and radiate it back onto the vines, while the gap to San Pablo Bay funnels cooling evening breezes. This push-pull produces full ripeness with soft, rounded tannins. Volcanic and alluvial soils underpin the district's signature velvet texture.

What is it like to visit Stags Leap District?

Stags Leap is rural and compact, just east of Yountville along the Silverado Trail.