In 1972 an American business man dispatched a French born winemaker to find land suitable to grow high quality grapes with the potential to make world class wines. It was here in the Stag’s Leap district that owner John Goelet along with winemaker Bernard Portet found what they were looking for.

The district is known for its ripe fruit, creating wines with an elegant balance, and velvety and silky tannins. Their first vintage of Cabernet Sauvignon in 1972 was one of only five California Cabernets selected for the now-legendary 1976 Paris Tasting, when California wines beat out their French counterparts in blind tastings.

The Clos Du Val estate has mature Cypress and olive trees, gardens and secluded grassy areas, including petanque courts, the French version of bocce ball, leading up to the wood-sided winery building. You may also check out the demonstration vineyard that shows various trellis systems.

The tasting room has extra tall ceilings along with 12 foot glass doors that look into the fermentation room. A long ‘L’ shaped tasting counter has a vineyard view out its windows. There are a few clothing items and a few local vineyard maps for sale. 

The wines made from their vineyards include Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir, and Merlot. Picnic sites available in their olive grove.