Which is the right Stags Leap?

Answered by Jesse Garza

As an expert sommelier and brewer, I would like to address the question of which is the right Stags Leap. This is a case that has caused confusion and controversy in the industry, as there are two wineries with similar names – Stag's Leap and Stags' Leap.

To understand the situation, we need to delve into the history and origins of both wineries. Stag's Leap Winery, located in the Stags Leap District of Napa Valley, was founded in 1970 by Warren Winiarski. The winery takes its name from the Stags Leap Palisades, which are tall cliffs that surround the area. It is important to note that “Stag's Leap” is singular, referring to a specific leap made by a stag.

On the other hand, Stags' Leap Winery, also located in the Stags Leap District, was founded in 1893 by Horace Chase. The winery is named after a local legend of a stag leaping to escape from hunters. The name “Stags' Leap” is plural, indicating multiple stags leaping.

The similarity in names has led to legal battles and confusion among consumers. The question of which is the right Stags Leap comes down to the interpretation of ownership and rights to the name. Both wineries were founded and named for the area, so it can be argued that both have a legitimate claim to use the name.

In the legal case surrounding this issue, it was ultimately decided that both wineries could use the name, but with a slight difference in punctuation. Stag's Leap Winery would use the apostrophe before the S, indicating possession by a single stag. Stags' Leap Winery would use the apostrophe after the S, indicating possession by multiple stags.

This decision was likely made to differentiate between the two wineries and minimize confusion in the marketplace. It allows consumers to distinguish between the two brands while still acknowledging their shared heritage and connection to the Stags Leap District.

It is worth noting that the distinction in punctuation may seem subtle, but it holds significant meaning for each winery. It represents their individual histories, stories, and winemaking philosophies. As a sommelier, I appreciate the attention to detail and the effort put into preserving the unique identity of each winery.

The right Stags Leap depends on which winery you are referring to. Stag's Leap Winery uses the apostrophe before the S, while Stags' Leap Winery uses the apostrophe after the S. Both wineries have a legitimate claim to the name, and the slight difference in punctuation helps differentiate between them. It is important to recognize and respect the distinct histories and traditions of each winery in order to fully appreciate their wines and the Stags Leap District as a whole.