In 1973, Joseph Phelps turned a 600-acre cattle ranch in Napa Valley into the famous wine estate it is today. He wasted no time and planted 100 acres of Cabernet Sauvignon, Zinfandel, Riesling and Gewurztraminer.

Joseph had the idea of making a separate cuvée each year, one that would represent the finest wine made from each vintage. Whether it is a Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot or Riesling, Insignia is the result of the very best fruit that Joseph Phelps Vineyard produces every year.

Joseph sadly passed away in 2015 and the estate is now run by his son, Bill Phelps.

“He was one of the Valley’s pioneers. Together with Robert Mondavi and others at the time, they put their hands in the soil and their souls in the wine, creating what we have today.” Margrit Mondavi

Today, Insignia is recognised as one of the most iconic wines in the world. In 2002 The Wine Spectator awarded the vintage with the prestigious ‘Wine of the Year’ title and Robert Parker has awarded the 1991, 1997 and 2002 vintages of Insignia with perfect 100 scores.

“The story of Insignia is a reflection of my grandfather’s character. He was a pioneer and an original who didn’t want to do what had already been done. He saw an opportunity to create something very special. With Insignia, he created California’s first proprietary red Bordeaux-style blend.” Elizabeth Neuman, grand-daughter of Joseph Phelps and the winery’s Director of Business Development & Marketing

California is a region that is well-known for its wine production. The state has a long history of wine production, dating back to the 18th century when Spanish missionaries first planted grapevines in the area. Today, California is home to some of the most famous wine producers in the world, including Napa Valley and Sonoma County.

One of the most well-known wine producers in California is Robert Mondavi Winery. Founded in 1966, the winery is located in the heart of Napa Valley and is known for its high-quality Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay. Robert Mondavi Winery is also known for its commitment to sustainability, using environmentally friendly practices in its vineyards and winemaking processes.

Another famous wine producer in California is Opus One Winery. Founded in 1979 by Robert Mondavi and Baron Philippe de Rothschild, Opus One is located in Napa Valley and is known for its Bordeaux-style blends. The winery uses a combination of traditional and modern winemaking techniques to produce its high-quality wines.

In addition to these famous wine producers, California is also home to a number of smaller, boutique wineries. One such winery is Kistler Vineyards, located in Sonoma County. Kistler Vineyards is known for its Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, which are made using traditional winemaking techniques and aged in French oak barrels.

Moving on to spirits, California is also home to a number of famous distilleries. One such distillery is St. George Spirits, located in Alameda. St. George Spirits is known for its artisanal spirits, including gin, vodka, and absinthe. The distillery uses a combination of traditional and modern techniques to produce its high-quality spirits.

Another famous distillery in California is Anchor Distilling Company, located in San Francisco. Anchor Distilling Company is known for its Old Potrero Rye Whiskey, which is made using traditional methods and aged in oak barrels. The distillery also produces a number of other spirits, including gin, vodka, and rum.

Overall, California is a region that is known for its high-quality wine and spirits production. Whether you are looking for a famous wine producer like Robert Mondavi Winery or a smaller, boutique winery like Kistler Vineyards, California has something to offer for every wine lover. Similarly, if you are a spirits enthusiast, you can't go wrong with a visit to St. George Spirits or Anchor Distilling Company.

Napa Valley is a world-renowned wine region located in California, USA. The region has a rich history of winemaking dating back to the 19th century when European immigrants first settled in the area. Today, Napa Valley is home to over 400 wineries, producing some of the finest wines in the world.

The style of production in Napa Valley is heavily influenced by the region's unique climate and soil. The warm, sunny days and cool nights create the perfect conditions for growing grapes with intense flavors and aromas. The region is known for its Cabernet Sauvignon, which is often described as rich, full-bodied, and complex. Other popular varietals include Chardonnay, Merlot, and Pinot Noir.

Napa Valley is also known for its commitment to sustainable and organic farming practices. Many wineries in the region have adopted these practices to ensure the long-term health of the land and the quality of the wine produced.

Some of the top wineries in Napa Valley include:

1. Opus One - This iconic winery was founded in 1979 by Robert Mondavi and Baron Philippe de Rothschild. The winery produces a Bordeaux-style blend that is highly sought after by collectors around the world.

2. Screaming Eagle - This boutique winery produces some of the most expensive wines in the world. Their Cabernet Sauvignon is highly sought after and often sells for thousands of dollars per bottle.

3. Stag's Leap Wine Cellars - This winery gained international recognition in 1976 when their Cabernet Sauvignon beat out several top French wines in a blind tasting known as the "Judgment of Paris."

4. Silver Oak Cellars - This family-owned winery is known for its Cabernet Sauvignon, which is aged in American oak barrels for over two years before release.

5. Cakebread Cellars - This winery is known for its Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon, as well as its commitment to sustainable farming practices.

Overall, Napa Valley is a must-visit destination for wine lovers around the world. With its rich history, commitment to quality, and stunning scenery, it's no wonder that Napa Valley wines are some of the most highly sought after in the world.