Chateau Montelena

Chateau_Montelena_Winery.gk

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Location	Calistoga, California, United States
Coordinates
Wine region
Appellation	Napa Valley AVA
Formerly
Other labels
Founded	1882
First vines planted

Chateau Montelena is a winery located in Calistoga, California, within the Napa Valley AVA. It was established in 1882 by Alfred Tubbs, a prominent businessman from San Francisco. The winery is renowned for its role in the Judgment of Paris wine competition in 1976, where its 1973 Chardonnay won first place among the white wines, putting California wine on the global map.

History

Chateau Montelena was founded in 1882 by Alfred Tubbs, who planted the first vineyards and built the iconic stone chateau. The winery thrived until the onset of Prohibition in 1920, which forced many wineries, including Chateau Montelena, to cease operations. The property changed hands several times until it was purchased by Jim Barrett in 1972. Under Barrett's leadership, the winery was revitalized, and it quickly gained a reputation for producing high-quality wines.

The Judgment of Paris

In 1976, Chateau Montelena's 1973 Chardonnay was entered into the Judgment of Paris, a blind tasting event organized by Steven Spurrier. The competition pitted California wines against French wines, and Chateau Montelena's Chardonnay emerged as the top white wine, a result that shocked the wine world and established Napa Valley as a premier wine-producing region.

Vineyards and Wines

Chateau Montelena's vineyards are located in the Napa Valley AVA, known for its diverse terroir and ideal climate for growing premium wine grapes. The winery produces a variety of wines, including:

• Chardonnay
• Cabernet Sauvignon
• Zinfandel
• Riesling
• Sauvignon Blanc

Key People

• Jim Barrett - Former owner and winemaker who played a crucial role in the winery's resurgence.
• Bo Barrett - Current winemaker and son of Jim Barrett, who continues the family legacy of producing high-quality wines.

Architecture

The winery's stone chateau, built in the late 19th century, is an iconic structure that reflects the architectural style of the period. It is surrounded by beautifully landscaped grounds, including a Chinese garden and a lake, making it a popular destination for visitors.

See Also

• Napa Valley AVA
• Judgment of Paris (wine)
• California wine
• Bo Barrett
• Jim Barrett