Clos du Val, established in 1972, is located in the southern Napa Valley and remains under its original ownership. Founded by John Goelet, an American businessman with French heritage, and his wife Henrietta, the winery has a rich history tied to the wine industry, with Goelet's family having roots in Bordeaux. The winery is known for its Bordeaux-style wines, crafted under the guidance of founding winemaker Bernard Portet, who emphasizes balance and food pairing in his winemaking approach. Clos du Val gained international recognition when its 1972 Cabernet Sauvignon was selected for the historic Judgment of Paris tasting in 1976, where it placed 8th. The winery's estate includes the Hirondelle Vineyard and additional properties in Napa Valley, producing a range of wines, primarily Cabernet Sauvignon, but also Merlot, Petit Verdot, and a Riesling sourced from Sonoma County. Visitors can enjoy tastings that showcase the distinct characteristics of their estate-grown wines, which are noted for their complexity and sense of place. The winery also has a commitment to cultural preservation, exemplified by its support of the Bhutan Foundation.
When to go
Good to know
Find them
Napa, CA, United States of America