CLOS DU VAL WAS FOUNDED by the Goelet family in 1972 in the heart of Napa Valley’s Stags Leap District with the dream of producing wines worthy of international acclaim. It didn’t take long. The 1972 Cabernet Sauvignon was one of six Napa Cabernet Sauvignons selected for the famous 1976 Judgment of Paris Tasting, and the same wine won the rematch 10 years later. Through the years, Clos Du Val, meaning “small estate of a small valley," has remained small, family-owned, and dedicated to making world-class Napa Valley-designated wines.
Today, Clos Du Val perpetuates the dream as it writes its next chapter. The winery’s dynamic new management team has spearheaded a vineyard-driven stylistic shift in its wines with a steadfast commitment to solely crafting exceptional estate-grown wines—particularly the Stags Leap District Cabernet Sauvignon, which first put the winery on the map.
These wines are receiving 90-plus scores, making this lovely estate an absolute “must-visit” on Silverado Trail. Recommended tasting experiences include the Hirondelle Full Circle, an inspiring glimpse into the estate’s past, present, and future with wines and cheese; and the Hirondelle Social, a tour of the winery followed by a seated tasting of current vintages in a fun, communal setting.