Wine · St. Helena / Pritchard Hill, California
Chappellet
A family winery that pioneered hillside Cabernet on Napa's Pritchard Hill.
- Founded
- 1967
- Founded by
- Donn and Molly Chappellet
- Based in
- St. Helena / Pritchard Hill, California
Making it since
1967
Their story
In 1967 Donn and Molly Chappellet left Beverly Hills for the rugged hills east of Oakville. Donn had built a business in vending machines, and Molly was studying art. Together they bought 320 acres on Pritchard Hill and became the first winery there.
Chappellet was only the second Napa winery founded after Prohibition, a year after Robert Mondavi. The couple set out to make Cabernet in the spirit of top Bordeaux, and their 1969 Napa Valley Cabernet became a benchmark for the region's style.
The winery is still family-owned. The second generation now runs it, with son Cyril serving as board chairman.
How it's made
The Chappellets helped pioneer high-elevation hillside planting in this part of Napa, working rocky slopes well above the valley floor. Mountain vineyards like these tend to give smaller, concentrated grapes, the base for structured Cabernet built to age.
Our featured pick
Signature Cabernet Sauvignon (750ML)
$115.00
From high up on Pritchard Hill, this is mountain Cab at its boldest—inky fruit, graphite, and mocha wrapped in firm tannins. Classic Napa power with sculpted elegance.
Shop Chappellet
1 in stock
My dad was especially proud that we were prepared to continue the family business.
Why we carry them
We think Chappellet is a great way to taste Napa mountain Cabernet from one of the families that put Pritchard Hill on the map.
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