Welcome to Chateau Montelena, a landmark in the world of winemaking and a cornerstone of Napa Valley’s rich history. Established in 1882 by Alfred L. Tubbs, this winery stands at the foot of Mount Saint Helena in Calistoga, California. Tubbs, who made his fortune in the rope business during the Gold Rush, purchased 254 acres with a vision to create a winery that would rival the best in the world. By 1896, Chateau Montelena had become the seventh largest winery in Napa Valley.
The winery’s journey was not without challenges. With the onset of Prohibition in 1920, winemaking ceased, and the property shifted to grape production without wine production. It wasn’t until 1958 when Yort Wing Frank and his wife Jeanie transformed the estate into a unique blend of Western architecture and Eastern aesthetics, adding a Chinese garden and Jade Lake, that the property began to evolve again.
In 1972, Jim Barrett acquired the winery and, along with winemaker Mike Grgich, revitalized Chateau Montelena’s winemaking operations. Their efforts culminated in a historic victory at the 1976 Judgment of Paris, where their 1973 Chardonnay triumphed over esteemed French wines in a blind tasting. This event catapulted Chateau Montelena and Napa Valley onto the global stage, forever changing the perception of American wines.
Chateau Montelena continues to be a family-run business, maintaining its commitment to quality and tradition. Its wines are known for their structure and balance, reflecting the unique terroir of the Calistoga region. Over the years, the estate has welcomed many visitors, drawn by its storied past and its role in shaping the modern wine industry.
Today, Chateau Montelena remains a symbol of resilience and innovation, embodying the spirit of Napa Valley’s winemaking legacy.
