Nestled among the rolling hills of Calistoga in Napa Valley, Chateau Montelena stands as both a testament to 19th-century ambition and a catalyst for California’s modern wine renaissance. Founded in 1882 by Alfred L. Tubbs, this historic estate endured phylloxera, Prohibition, and neglect before reclaiming its place on the world stage—most famously at the 1976 “Judgment of Paris,” where its 1973 Chardonnay shocked the wine world by besting established French white Burgundies.
A Storied Past
Origins and Early Success
Alfred Tubbs, a gold-rush entrepreneur, commissioned San Francisco architect Hamden McIntyre to design the chateau in a chateauesque style. By the late 1800s, vineyards thrived, but phylloxera decimated the vines by the turn of the century.
Decline and Revival
Prohibition shuttered operations in 1920, and Chateau Montelena lay dormant for decades. In 1968, Jim Barrett and a group of investors purchased the property, planting Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, and Riesling anew. Under the guidance of winemaker Mike Grgich, the estate’s potential was reborn.
The 1976 Judgment of Paris
On May 24, 1976, British wine merchant Steven Spurrier hosted a blind tasting in Paris comparing top Californian and Burgundian wines. Chateau Montelena’s 1973 Chardonnay emerged first among whites, a victory that catapulted Napa Valley onto the international stage and forever altered perceptions of New World wine.
Vineyards and Terroir
Chateau Montelena’s 200 acres of estate vineyards benefit from:
- Alluvial Soils: Well-draining cobble, sand, and gravel deposited by the nearby Napa River
- Microclimate: Cool Pacific breezes funnel through the Petaluma Gap, preserving acidity and balance
- Diverse Blocks: Separated by elevation and aspect, allowing precise vineyard management and site-specific expression
Winemaking Philosophy
Chateau Montelena marries Old World tradition with New World innovation:
- Chardonnay: Fermented and aged in French oak to capture both richness and minerality
- Cabernet Sauvignon: Extended macerations and gentle extraction yield structured, ageworthy wines
- Sustainability: Certified LODI Rules sustainable practices ensure long-term health of the vineyards and ecosystem
Visiting Chateau Montelena
Today, the estate offers a variety of experiences:
- Estate Tastings in the historic stone chateau
- Cellar Tours that delve into winemaking practices
- Vineyard Walks highlighting terroir and viticultural techniques
- Private Events in the scenic gardens and barrel rooms
Legacy and Influence
From its 19th-century roots to its pivotal victory in Paris, Chateau Montelena continues to influence California’s wine industry. It stands not only as a living monument to Napa’s past but also as a beacon guiding its future—where tradition, terroir, and tenacity unite in every bottle.
