Staglin
Summary
Staglin Family Vineyard is a family-owned cult producer operating on a historic 61-acre estate in Rutherford Bench, focusing primarily on Cabernet Sauvignon grown in the region's volcanic, sandy-loamy soils. The winery combines minimal-intervention techniques with certified organic farming practices, producing limited quantities of highly sought-after wines from vineyards with over 150 years of viticultural history.
Heritage & Leadership
Staglin Family Vineyard was founded in 1985 when Garen and Shari Staglin purchased a historic property on the Rutherford Bench in Napa Valley. The estate has a rich viticultural history dating back to the 1860s, representing over 150 years of winegrowing heritage on this site. After acquiring the property, the Staglins dedicated themselves to revitalizing the vineyards, releasing their first vintage in 1992 after seven years of careful vineyard development.
The winery remains firmly family-owned and operated, with multiple generations of Staglins actively involved in daily operations. Garen and Shari continue to guide the overall vision as founders, while their daughter Shannon Staglin serves as President, overseeing business operations. Their son Brandon Staglin also contributes to the family enterprise, maintaining the close-knit family structure that has defined Staglin since its inception.
The winemaking team has included Fredrik Johansson as winemaker, with vineyard management expertise from David Abreu, though specific team roles may have evolved over time. Beyond their viticultural pursuits, the Staglin family has established a significant presence in philanthropy, particularly through their organization "One Mind," which focuses on mental health research. Their annual music festival represents a cornerstone of their fundraising efforts for this cause.
Vineyards & Wines
Staglin's 61-acre estate occupies a prime location on the western slope of Mount St. John along the Rutherford Bench, a region prized for its exceptional terroir. The vineyard's position provides optimal growing conditions with varied exposures and microclimates across the property. The soil composition features the volcanic material and sandy-loamy soil characteristic of the Rutherford AVA, contributing distinctive mineral qualities to the wines.
Cabernet Sauvignon stands as the estate's primary focus, thriving in the warm Rutherford climate and well-drained soils. The portfolio also includes Chardonnay, which grows in the cooler sections of the property, and limited plantings of Sangiovese. This diversity of plantings allows Staglin to produce a range of wines that express the unique characteristics of their estate.
Their wine collection is anchored by their flagship Estate Cabernet Sauvignon, which showcases the distinctive character of their Rutherford terroir. The lineup also features "Salus," a Bordeaux-style blend, and "Stagliano," their estate Sangiovese offering. Each wine is crafted to reflect both varietal character and the specific site characteristics of the Staglin estate.
Philosophy & Practice
Staglin's approach to winegrowing centers on sustainable and certified organic farming practices, reflecting their commitment to environmental stewardship. The vineyard team employs meticulous hand-harvesting for all fruit, ensuring only the highest quality grapes enter the winemaking process. This careful selection process represents the first step in their quality-focused production methodology.
In the winery, Staglin utilizes gravity-flow techniques to minimize harsh mechanical intervention during the winemaking process. This approach allows for gentler handling of the fruit and resulting wine, preserving delicate flavors and aromas. French oak barrels provide the aging environment for their wines, imparting subtle complexity while allowing the vineyard character to remain prominent.
The family's commitment to sustainability extends beyond the vineyard rows. Their holistic approach integrates environmentally responsible practices throughout their operation, from farming to winemaking to business practices. This comprehensive philosophy reflects their long-term vision for the estate and their dedication to preserving the land for future generations.