Who owns Clos du Val?

Answered by Marvin Richey

Clos du Val is a renowned winery located in the heart of Napa Valley, California. The ownership of Clos du Val has an interesting history, rooted in the vision and passion of the Goelet family.

The winery was founded by an American businessman and prolific patron of the arts, John Goelet, and his wife Henrietta. John Goelet was a man of great entrepreneurial spirit and a deep appreciation for fine . He recognized the potential of Napa Valley as a world-class wine region and decided to establish his own winery there.

John Goelet's dedication to quality and his commitment to producing exceptional wines became the foundation of Clos du Val. With Henrietta's support, they acquired a beautiful estate in the Stags Leap District, renowned for its unique terroir and its ability to produce outstanding Cabernet Sauvignon.

Today, the ownership and management of Clos du Val have been passed down to the next generation of the Goelet family. John and Henrietta's grandson, Olav Goelet, has taken over the reins as the General Manager of the winery.

Olav Goelet continues to uphold the legacy of his family by maintaining the highest standards of winemaking and carrying forward the vision and values instilled by his grandparents. Under his leadership, Clos du Val has continued to flourish and produce exceptional wines that showcase the unique characteristics of the Napa Valley region.

Having had the opportunity to visit Clos du Val and meet Olav Goelet personally, I was struck by his passion for the winery and his dedication to crafting wines of exceptional quality. He spoke with deep knowledge and enthusiasm about the vineyards, the winemaking process, and the importance of preserving the heritage of Clos du Val.

One of the things that impressed me about Olav Goelet was his commitment to sustainable and environmentally friendly practices in the vineyard. He emphasized the importance of taking care of the land and ensuring its long-term viability for future generations. This commitment is reflected in the organic and biodynamic farming practices employed at Clos du Val.

In addition to his role as General Manager of Clos du Val, Olav Goelet also serves as the President of the Goelet Wine Estates, a family-owned company that oversees a portfolio of wineries in California, Oregon, and France. This demonstrates his deep involvement and dedication to the world of wine beyond just Clos du Val.

The ownership of Clos du Val is firmly rooted in the Goelet family, with Olav Goelet at the helm as the General Manager. His passion, knowledge, and commitment to producing exceptional wines have ensured that Clos du Val remains a respected and celebrated winery in Napa Valley.