Chateau Montelena

Chateau Montelena
Chateau Montelena
Location	Calistoga, California, United States
Appellation	Napa Valley AVA
Founded	1882
Key people	Bo Barrett, Jim Barrett
Known for	Chardonnay
Varietals	Cabernet Sauvignon, Zinfandel, Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc

Chateau_Montelena_Winery.gk

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[edit | edit source]

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[edit | edit source]

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[edit | edit source]

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:

Key People[edit | edit source]

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[edit | edit source]

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.