Located at the top of Napa Valley in Calistoga, Chateau Montelena is about 45 minutes from downtown Napa and two hours from San Francisco. I’ve always enjoyed the rich Chardonnays and Cabernet Sauvignons from this iconic winery and finally had the chance to visit as a guest. Many curious wine aficionados may want to pay homage to this spot that put California wine on the international map thanks to the Judgement of Paris in 1976. Others may desire to roam Chateau Montelena’s stunning grounds and taste a variety of wines. By doing either, it’s possible to understand the results of dedication, perseverance and skill in the pivotal days of American winemaking.
Photo Credit: Chateau Montelena
A Very Brief History of Chateau Montelena
Alfred L. Tubbs, a successful businessman and state senator, purchased 254 acres north of Calistoga in 1882 and set about planting vineyards. The stone winery building was built into the hillside at the foot of Mount Saint Helena in 1888. The winery, then known as A. L. Tubbs Winery, was unique for several reasons. It was built of stone, rather than wood as was more common at the time, and it had an extensive cellar built into the hillside. Even in the early years of the winery there was a French connection — the first winemaker Tubbs hired was French.
Prohibition meant a discontinuation of wine production, but after Prohibition was repealed Tubbs’ grandson, Chapin Tubbs, began winemaking again for a few years. It was at this time the winery was renamed Chateau Montelena. After Chapin’s death in 1947 winemaking ceased.
The winery and overgrown grounds were purchased by Yort and Jeanie Frank in 1958 and they set about restoring the property. Inspired by their native Hong Kong the Franks created a lake and landscaped the grounds in a Chinese style. The lake, named Jade Lake, remains today.
In the early 1970s Jim Barrett purchased the winery and vineyards. The vineyards were cleared and replanted and the winery equipment was brought up to date. The first vintage under Barrett’s direction was 1972. He hired a winemaking team that included Miljenko “Mike” Grgich (he went on to found Grgich Hills Estate Winery in Rutherford). Chateau Montelena
On May 24, 1976, Jim Barrett’s 1973 Chardonnay won the white wine competition at the Judgement of Paris. A big deal? Yes! The Judgement of Paris was a blind tasting of California Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon versus the wines of Burgundy and Bordeaux. The competition was held in France with French judges. Mon Dieu! This significant win put California wines on the map and the rest is wine history. For an entertaining film about Chateau Montelena’s journey to win the competition, watch the flick, Bottleshock on Prime Video and other streaming networks.
Photo Credit: Chateau Montelena
Currently, Jim’s son Bo Barrett, Chief Executive Officer, oversees strategic planning for the winery and vineyard operations with a heartfelt commitment; he has been involved with every vintage of Chateau Montelena since his family assumed ownership in 1972. For more of Bo’s story, please click HERE.
Visiting Chateau Montelena
There are a variety of visitor experiences to satisfy everyone’s palate and pocketbook. Reservations are a must and prompt arrival is encouraged. Our experience was A Taste of Montelena ($60/person for 45 minutes) that features current release wines from Winemaker Matt Craften and a guided tasting with a trained wine educator. This seated tasting at a communal bar inside the Chateau was a solid introduction to the wines of Chateau Montelena.
Our Taste of Montelena consisted of 2022 Chardonnay (Napa Valley), 2023 Riesling (Potter Valley), 2021 Estate Zinfandel (Calistoga), 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon (Napa Valley), and 2019 Montelena Estate Cabernet Sauvignon. The Chardonnay was rich and round, the Riesling had a touch of sweetness and the Estate Zinfandel was flavorful with broad. Cabernets were outstanding with ripe red fruit, firm tannic structure and just-right acidity. Each was a lush wine that can easily be paired with food, friends and conversation. The tasting was enhanced with detailed information about the grapes, farming, vineyards, winemaking style, and more.
No Napa Valley journey is complete without a visit to Chateau Montelena. Treat yourself to delicious wines with a bountiful side of Napa Valley history.
Cheers! ~ Cindy
