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Stags’ Leap Winery
A Napa Valley Classic Where Time Stands Still
WRITTEN BY Fran Miller
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Published On: January 05, 2026
PHOTO COURTESy OF Stags' Leap Winery
Just a short turn off the Silverado Trail, Stags’ Leap Winery reveals itself as a hidden valley framed by the craggy Palisades. “We are just moments off the Silverado Trail… but a world away,” says Jim Foster, Hospitality Manager. “It’s like our own Shangri-La.”
One of Napa Valley’s most historic estates, Stags’ Leap is as much about heritage as it is about wine. The property dates back to 1888, and the winery was established in 1893. Its centerpiece, the grand Manor House, still feels like a portal to another era. Originally built as a family home, it continues to symbolize Gilded Age refinement. Guests are often struck by its craftsmanship: soaring 15-foot ceilings, old-growth California redwood fireplace hearths, hand-carved banisters, and stained-glass windows that glow in the afternoon light.
“As stewards of this storied estate, we invite our guests to step back in time and experience a slower, more graceful era,” Foster explains. “We continually refresh the Manor House to reflect the seasons, update furnishings, and introduce new hosting spaces. It ensures each visit feels both familiar and new.”
Experiences with a Sense of Place
Visitors can choose from three signature tastings, each offering a distinct lens into the estate and its wines. The Porch Tasting is a relaxed introduction, featuring six estate-grown wines enjoyed from the sweeping veranda overlooking the grounds. For those seeking a deeper dive, the Manor House Experience includes a guided tour of the historic home—complete with a stop in the hidden Speakeasy in the basement—followed by a tasting across all three tiers of the winery’s portfolio. The most immersive option, the Take the Leap Experience, features winery-exclusive bottlings crafted from estate fruit and select local vineyards.
Wines with Legacy
Among the estate’s collection, one wine in particular tends to spark conversation: Ne Cede Malis Petite Sirah. The name comes from the Latin motto inscribed in the stained-glass windows of the Manor House dining room: Do not yield to misfortunes, but go against them more boldly than your fortune allows. “This wine embodies resilience and legacy,” says Foster. The vineyard itself, planted in 1929, is now certified as historic and contains a fascinating mix of 17 grape varieties.
A Tradition of Hospitality
Foster, who brings more than 40 years of hospitality experience, says his guiding principle is simple: respect. “Respect for each other, respect for our guests, and respect for the legacy of the estate,” he explains. That philosophy shapes the way his team hosts, creating a space where visitors connect, celebrate, and savor wines responsibly. “There are countless memorable stories, but my favorites are the smiles from first-time visitors—when the history, beauty, and wines of Stags’ Leap come together to create something truly unforgettable.”
Napa is filled with world-class wineries, yet Stags’ Leap stands apart as both a destination and a legacy. To visit is to experience Napa Valley’s past—while tasting its future.