Napa Valley
Obscure to World Famous
The origins of Napa Valley winemaking started humbly in the mid-1800s when a small group of growers and vintners settled in the valley. Trials and tribulations including phylloxera (root louse) and then the 1920 enactment of Prohibition shook the valley and many vineyards and wineries were abandoned.
After the repeal of Prohibition in 1933 the valley started to recover and the Napa Valley Vintners was established to create a unified front in the growth of the region. 40 years later, things were about to change.
In 1976, it was the tasting heard ‘round the world that crowned Napa a king among wine regions.
After visiting Napa Valley, a British-born winemaker named Steven Spurrier selected six Chardonnays and six Cabernet Sauvignons to compete in the famous 'Paris Tasting'.
Though up against the best French wines that year, two Napa Valley wines (one red, one white) took top honors. This tasting, later coined “The Judgment of Paris,” launched Napa Valley and the California wine industry into legendary status.
Explore the Valley
As you explore Napa Valley's diverse vineyards and cellars, you'll uncover wines that reflect the dedication and expertise of generations of vintners. Napa Valley wines are celebrated for their opulent, full-bodied notes and intricate bouquets.
Shaped by the region’s exceptional microclimate and soil conditions, Napa
is perfectly suited for cultivating bold and rich reds like Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. Explore our portfolio of Napa Valley-based wine brands, including Jayson by Pahlmeyer, Louis M. Martini,
William Hill, and Orin Swift, to discover a new favorite that embodies the distinct richness and quality that Napa Valley is famous for.
