Nestled along the Silverado Trail just east of the Napa River, the Stags Leap District AVA is a small but mighty region that delivers some of the most graceful, age-worthy Cabernet Sauvignon in the world. Known for its signature style—“iron fist in a velvet glove”—this AVA marries the power of Napa Valley fruit with the finesse of cool-climate structure. From historic Judgement of Paris fame to its modern cult following, Stags Leap District is synonymous with world-class red wine.
The Stags Leap District is located in southeastern Napa Valley, just north of the city of Napa and east of Yountville. It spans just 2,700 acres, making it one of Napa’s smallest AVAs, with around 1,200 acres under vine.
It was officially designated in 1989, becoming the first AVA in the United States to be approved based on both soil composition and climate—a testament to the unique characteristics that define this narrow, sloped valley.
Stags Leap benefits from a unique transitional climate: it lies close enough to San Pablo Bay to receive cool afternoon breezes and morning fog, yet far enough inland to enjoy plenty of sun and warmth.
Key climate traits:
Warm days for full ripening
Cool nights that preserve acidity
Gentle breezes flowing through the corridor between the Stags Leap Palisades and the Napa River
Long growing season, ideal for phenolic development
This balance leads to grapes with rich flavor concentration and firm but polished tannins.
The soils of the Stags Leap District are a blend of:
Volcanic rock and bale loam on the eastern benchlands
Gravelly alluvial deposits near the Napa River
Shallow, well-drained soils that stress the vines and reduce yields
This terroir promotes deep root systems, which help vines draw out minerality, complexity, and consistency, even in drought years. The region's distinct topography also creates microclimates across small vineyard blocks, adding even more diversity to the wines.
The Stags Leap District is Cabernet Sauvignon country, but it also supports a few complementary Bordeaux and Rhône varietals.
Red Varietals:
Cabernet Sauvignon – The hallmark grape, known for ripe black cherry, cassis, cocoa, leather, and signature “dusty” minerality
Merlot – Smooth and velvety, used in both blends and standalone bottlings
Petite Sirah – Intense and spicy; once dominant in the region before Cabernet took center stage
Cabernet Franc & Malbec – Used in blends for added complexity and aromatic lift
White Varietals:
Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay are occasionally planted in cooler pockets, offering crisp acidity and bright fruit.
This famous phrase—coined to describe the wines of Stags Leap District—captures the balance of softness and structure that makes its Cabernet so beloved.
Typical features of Stags Leap District wines include:
Dark red and black fruit (black cherry, raspberry, blackberry)
Savory notes of graphite, black olive, cocoa, and baking spice
Supple tannins that are firm yet polished
Long, graceful finishes and excellent ageability
These are wines that seduce rather than overpower, offering a uniquely expressive take on Napa Valley Cabernet.
Stags Leap District holds a special place in wine history: in 1976, Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars' 1973 Cabernet Sauvignon famously won the Judgement of Paris, beating top Bordeaux estates and putting Napa Valley on the global wine map.
Today, the region is home to some of the most respected producers in California:
Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars – The Judgement of Paris legend, known for structured, elegant Cabernet
Stags’ Leap Winery – Historic estate producing soulful Cabernet and Petite Sirah
Chimney Rock Winery – Bordeaux-style elegance with estate-grown precision
Shafer Vineyards – Cult-status Cabernet with power and polish
Pine Ridge Vineyards – Diverse range of red and white wines from estate vineyards
Clos du Val – French heritage and timeless Napa expressions
Most wineries offer appointment-based tastings, often set against the backdrop of the rugged Stags Leap Palisades.
Stags Leap District is proof that great wine is born at the intersection of intensity and elegance. With its cool, marine-influenced climate, ancient rocky soils, and storied legacy, it produces Cabernet Sauvignon that is both age-worthy and immediately captivating.
For collectors, enthusiasts, and travelers alike, a journey into Stags Leap is a walk through the refined heart of Napa Valley Cabernet—where each bottle speaks of place, passion, and polished power.
