Shafer Vineyard

Shafer Vineyard is a family-owned winery located in the Stags Leap District of Napa Valley, California. Founded in 1972 by John Shafer, the vineyard has been producing high-quality wines for over four decades. The vineyard is known for its commitment to sustainable farming practices and its dedication to producing wines that reflect the unique terroir of the region.

The history of Shafer Vineyard dates back to the early 1970s when John Shafer, a former publishing executive, decided to pursue his passion for winemaking. He purchased a 210-acre property in the Stags Leap District and began planting vines. The first vintage of Shafer Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon was released in 1978, and it quickly gained a reputation for its exceptional quality.

Today, Shafer Vineyard is run by John's son, Doug Shafer, who has continued his father's legacy of producing world-class wines. The vineyard produces a range of wines, including Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah, Chardonnay, and Sauvignon Blanc.

The style of production at Shafer Vineyard is focused on producing wines that are expressive of the terroir of the Stags Leap District. The vineyard is planted on rocky, volcanic soils that are ideal for growing Cabernet Sauvignon. The grapes are hand-harvested and carefully sorted to ensure only the highest quality fruit is used in the winemaking process.

The winemaking process at Shafer Vineyard is a combination of traditional and modern techniques. The grapes are fermented in small batches using native yeasts, and the wines are aged in French oak barrels for up to 30 months. The result is wines that are rich, complex, and full of character.

Shafer Vineyard is best known for its flagship wine, the Hillside Select Cabernet Sauvignon. This wine is made from a selection of the best grapes from the vineyard's hillside blocks and is only produced in exceptional vintages. The wine is aged for up to 32 months in new French oak barrels and is known for its intense flavors of blackberry, cassis, and dark chocolate.

In addition to the Hillside Select Cabernet Sauvignon, Shafer Vineyard produces a range of other exceptional wines. The Relentless Syrah is a blend of Syrah and Petite Sirah that is known for its bold, spicy flavors. The Red Shoulder Ranch Chardonnay is a rich, creamy wine that is fermented and aged in French oak barrels.

Overall, Shafer Vineyard is a producer of exceptional wines that are a true reflection of the unique terroir of the Stags Leap District. The vineyard's commitment to sustainable farming practices and its dedication to producing wines of the highest quality make it a top choice for wine lovers around the world.