Marchesi Antinori Acquires Arcadia Vineyard, Strengthening Control Over Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars

Marchesi Antinori, the renowned wine company from Tuscany, has acquired the Arcadia Vineyard from the family of the late Warren Winiarski. This vineyard has long been a key grape source for Napa's Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars, which Antinori now fully controls. The Arcadia Vineyard spans 135 acres, with 84 acres dedicated to vineyards. These include 58 acres of Cabernet Sauvignon, 23 acres of Chardonnay, and 3 acres of Merlot. The purchase price remains undisclosed.

Piero Antinori expressed enthusiasm about the acquisition, emphasizing its importance in completing the Stag’s Leap project. This move allows Antinori to oversee the entire process, from grape cultivation to wine production, in line with their tradition. Warren Winiarski originally bought the vineyard in 1996 from Austin Hills of Grgich Hills Estate to supply Chardonnay grapes for his winery. After selling Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars in 2007 to a partnership between Antinori and Chateau Ste. Michelle, the Winiarski family kept the Arcadia Vineyard, continuing to supply grapes to the winery. The vineyard is protected by the Land Trust of Napa County, ensuring it remains undeveloped.

Since Winiarski's purchase, the vineyard has primarily supplied grapes to Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars, except for some Chardonnay sold to John Kongsgaard. Antinori, representing the 25th generation of his family in winemaking, appreciates the vineyard's historical significance. He noted that the acquisition brings the Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars history full circle, as Winiarski used the grapes for his Artemis and Chardonnay wines.

Located in the Coombsville AVA at the foot of Mount George, the vineyard is in an area gaining recognition for its Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay. Antinori highlighted Coombsville's potential, noting its wines' elegance and intensity, which he attributes to the region's unique characteristics. Renzo Cotarella, Antinori's CEO and head of winemaking, stated that Stag’s Leap will remain distinct from their Antica project in Atlas Peak. While the current production portfolio at Stag’s Leap will stay the same, there is potential for future Coombsville-designated wines.