About This Winery
+ More
In 1882, the stone castle of Chateau Montelena was built, and within a few years the facility was producing up to 50,000 cases of wine a year. Today, after decades of impressive wine history, the Chateau still stands among the wooded hillsides, welcoming visitors with its extensive offerings of winery tours and tasting programs.
Graperadio interview with the winemaker
The setting is one of the most peaceful in the Napa Valley – a stone castle carved into a hillside overlooking a Chinese garden, a lake, and vineyards reaching out to the base of Mt. St. Helena. (In keeping with the times, solar panels supply most of the power needs at the winery.)
The modern history of the winery began in 1972 under the leadership of James Barrett, who replanted the aged vineyard, brought in modern winemaking equipment, and started producing wines that received international attention.
In 1976 Chateau Montelena put California at the forefront of the wine world by taking first place in the famous “Judgment in Paris” tasting at the Inter-Continental Hotel. Chateau Montelena’s 1973 Chardonnay rated above all the other white wines there.
Chateau Montelena offers three distinct tasting options: A Taste of Montelena which celebrates current release wines, The Library Tasting which is a testament to the ageability of Montelena wine, and The Montelena Estate Collection which showcases the exceptional character, quality, and ageability of their flagship wine, the Estate Cabernet Sauvignon. The winery also offers ultra-luxury, elevated tastings for custom experiences. Please call ahead for current tasting offerings.
The winery produces rich white and red wines including Riesling, Chardonnay, Zinfandel, and Cabernet Sauvignon, which is a blend with Merlot and Cabernet Franc. Everyone with a tasting appointment is invited to experience the private gardens, lake, Bocce Ball court. Club members have exclusive access to the islands on Jade Lake for a private picnic.
↑ Less
Winery Information
Hours: Open daily 9:30 to 4 pmFees: The current release tasting fee is $40 | Additional tasting options are available by appointment.
Price Range: Our current release 750ml bottles range from $35 to $175. However, please note that we have many higher priced bottles available in our library wines, via club exclusives and in large formats.
Established: 1972
Vineyards: 120 acres
Production: 50,000 cases
Unique Amenities: Tours are self guided
Winery Dog: Carla and Micki
Amenities
- "Green" Technology
- Bocce Ball
Ambiances
- Historic Features
- Off the Beaten Path
Wine Types
- Cabernet Sauvignon
- Chardonnay
- Estate Grown Wines
Winery Map
Rate This Winery
Please login or register to use this feature.
