It is true that there are two different Stag's Leap wineries in Napa. The distinction between the two lies in the placement of the apostrophe in the name. One winery is called Stag's Leap, with the apostrophe before the “s”, and the other is called Stags' Leap, with the apostrophe after the “s”.
This can certainly be confusing for visitors to the region, especially those who are not familiar with the specific wineries. It is important to pay attention to the spelling and placement of the apostrophe when searching for or visiting these wineries.
The history of these two wineries is intertwined and dates back several decades. Stag's Leap Winery, with the apostrophe before the “s”, was established in 1970 by Warren Winiarski. It gained worldwide recognition in 1976 when its 1973 Cabernet Sauvignon won the famous Judgment of Paris blind tasting, beating out top French wines. This victory put Stag's Leap on the map and helped establish Napa Valley as a premier wine region.
On the other hand, Stags' Leap Winery, with the apostrophe after the “s”, has a slightly different history. It was founded in 1893 by Horace Chase and was originally called Stags Leap Winery (without the apostrophe). The winery changed hands multiple times over the years, and in the 1970s, it was acquired by Carl Doumani, who added the apostrophe after the “s” to differentiate it from its neighbor, Stag's Leap Winery.
Despite the similar names, the two wineries have distinct identities and produce wines that reflect their unique terroirs and winemaking styles. Stag's Leap Winery focuses on Bordeaux varietals, with its Cabernet Sauvignon being the flagship wine. They also produce Merlot, Chardonnay, and other varietals.
Stags' Leap Winery, on the other hand, is known for its heritage Petite Sirah and other red blends. They also produce Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Chardonnay, and other varietals. The winery's historic stone manor house, surrounded by beautiful gardens and vineyards, adds to the charm and allure of the Stags' Leap experience.
Both wineries offer tastings and tours, providing visitors with the opportunity to explore their vineyards, learn about their winemaking processes, and sample their wines. Each winery has its own unique ambiance and story to tell, making a visit to both a worthwhile experience for wine enthusiasts.
While it may be confusing to have two wineries with similar names in close proximity, Stag's Leap Winery and Stags' Leap Winery are indeed separate entities. Paying attention to the placement of the apostrophe in their names will help you distinguish between the two and ensure you visit the specific winery you are seeking.