Winery Story

Chateau Montelena was founded in 1882 by Alfred Tubbs, a prominent California businessman. Although Chateau Montelena stayed in the Tubbs fa... (more...)mily until 1958, winemaking at the Chateau came to an end with prohibition. The renaissance of the winery, under the leadership of James Barrett, began in 1972 with the replanting of the Estate vineyard and the establishment of the Chateau Montelena philosophy: make the best, period. Today the tradition continues. Jim Barrett’s son, Bo, is Master Winemaker, having assumed all winemaking duties in 1982. Exceptional wine can be made only with exceptional grapes, which is why we adhere to the Estate concept of “winegrowing.” After more than two decades of experience with the same vineyards and varietals, the Montelena Estate Cabernet Sauvignon and Napa Valley Chardonnay are recognized as world-class.