Chelsea E.
Yelp
OMGOSH NEW ALL TIME FAVE HANDS DOWN!!! WOW OK so I honestly don't even know where to begin!
For starters, I had received recommendations about Stags Leap on my first trip to Napa and never made it there. Well about a month before my second trip I was looking online at Stags Leap and saw that there was only one reservation slot left for the entire three days we were going to be there (Sat-Mon). I went back and forth on if I should take that 10am Monday slot. For $75/tasting, I had to wonder "is it worth it?" I was also paying for my sister's too (because I figured she'd think I was crazy for booking us a $75 tasting!) So I was out +$160 a month before the trip even started. Gosh looking back now I'm so glad I did that!
The night before our Stags Leap trip, I took a gander on Yelp. I started to panic as I quickly found out that there are TWO Stags Leaps: one is Stag's Leap Wine Cellars and the other is Stags' Leap Winery. (Notice apostrophe placement). "Oh gosh!! What did I do?" I thought to myself. Did I even book the right one?! Were all my friends telling me about the other Stag's Leap? Did I just waste $160 on a subpar second class wannabe winery? Alas, it was too late for me to change plans or look into it further.
So the next morning at 10a, my sister and I trekked up to Stags' Leap. They do a really good job in all the confirmation emails to warn you about how this location is tough to find on navigation systems. I appreciated the warnings, but we had no problems. After many twists and turns up the road, we parked at this GORGEOUS estate!! My jaw hit the floor before we even walked in.
We were greeted right away by our hostess, Sue. She let us know we'd get started soon, but offered us a Chardonnay as we waited. She also told us we could tour the house which we did. Such a beautiful manor. I could tell it was built in the late 1800's and the dark wooden interior reminded me a lot of the Hotel Del Coronado. I also used the restroom and it was definitely old school in there (had a pull chain as the flusher!).
Our tour soon got started with an intimate group of 12. Sue actually told us that they only allow 40 people on property per day. Wow! I felt privileged (and lucky that I scored that 10am slot a month prior!). Sue told us about herself and her journey. She's relatively new to the property, but you would never know it. She has a background at Disney which is probably what made her such a great host. She was so authentic, fun and knowledgeable!
She walked us through the house and the history. I loved the story of Frances Grange, the second owner of the manor and a true original businesswoman! Sue even took us down into the speakeasy. I felt like I was at a 1920s Gatsby party. I just love historic estates like this! You just get an almost eery vibe that a lot happened here.
We walked outside and saw the pool ("Where Gatsby was shot" as my sister whispered to me LOL!). It isn't functioning but was still cool to see. Sue said they are trying to fix it. We also stopped and took pictures by the vines. Wow-- these are possibly the most stunning views you will see in all of Napa. The pictures I have don't even do it justice. As we walked around, Sue continued to pour us various wines, which were all fantastic.
After our guided tour, Sue took us into the tasting room with a long table seating 6 of us on each side. We had the most generous tasting I've ever had the pleasure of partaking in! Overall, we ended up with 7 tastings total! And as we were starting to wrap up, I asked Sue how the Malbec was (as I wanted to buy a bottle for my boyfriend). As she started describing it to me, I asked if she had any to taste. She said she'd check, but didn't think there was any open. She soon emerged from the back with a full bottle and said "Oh well, I'll just open one for you!" lol! She then let everyone have a taste of the Malbec as well. Grade A customer service. So all in all, we actually ended up with 8 tastings! I ended up buying the Malbec but am still so mad at myself for not buying any others!
All in all, this is an five star experience all around. From the absolutely stunning views, gorgeous grounds, excellent hostess, and superb wines.... Stags' Leap cannot be beat and it is my new Napa favorite! My sister wholeheartedly agreed as well. Even two months after our trip, we still talk about Stags' Leap all the time! I have also since recommended it to coworkers who went to Napa and they also came back saying it was their favorite! I can't tell you anything about Stag's Leap Wine Cellars (aka the "other" Stags Leap), but what I can share with you is that I highly doubt that they could have a better overall experience than this Stags' Leap. I'm SO glad I picked the "right" one when making my reservations.
Biggest word of advice- BOOK EARLY! Like Sue said, only 40 people are allowed on property a day and you do not want to miss out on this.