About Shafer Vineyards
Shafer Vineyards has farmed its Stags Leap District hillsides since 1972, when John Shafer, a former Chicago publishing executive, bought the land along the Silverado Trail and began a second career in wine. His son Doug Shafer and winemaker Elias Fernandez, on staff since 1984, still run the winery day to day.
The flagship Hillside Select Cabernet Sauvignon, made only in strong vintages from the estate's steepest volcanic hillside blocks, has become one of Napa Valley's most sought-after and highly rated wines; Shafer also makes Relentless, a Syrah-based red that helped establish Syrah as a serious Napa Valley category in its own right.
John and Doug Shafer's 1972 Stags Leap District estate, home to the cult Hillside Select Cabernet Sauvignon.
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A family that stayed hands-on,John Shafer left a corporate career to farm this Stags Leap District hillside in 1972, and his son Doug still runs the winery alongside winemaker Elias Fernandez, on staff since 1984.
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The Hillside Select reputation,reserved for only the estate's best hillside blocks in strong vintages, has made this one of Napa Valley's most collected and highly rated Cabernet Sauvignons.
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Relentless, a serious Napa Syrah,Shafer's Syrah-based blend helped prove the Stags Leap District could produce world-class wine beyond Cabernet Sauvignon.
"John and Doug Shafer's 1972 Stags Leap District estate, home to the cult Hillside Select Cabernet Sauvignon and the Syrah-based Relentless."
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Featured Wines
Current Releases
Wines change with each vintage
For an accurate list of current-release wines and library bottlings from Shafer Vineyards, please check the winery's official website or contact the tasting room directly. Stags Leap District producers typically rotate vintages and offerings seasonally.
Tasting Experiences
Visit Website →Hillside Select Estate Appointment
Taste the wines at Shafer Vineyards in the Stags Leap District. By appointment only, reservations required.
From $75
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