Clos Du Val

Located in the Stag's Leap District of Napa Valley, Clos Du Val dates to 1970 when American businessman John Goelet enlisted French-born winemaker Bernard Portet to find a territory for producing world-class wines. Portet recommended Napa Valley and Goelet acquired 150 acres of land, founding Clos Du Val ("small estate of a small valley") in 1972. The following year, Clos Du Val became one of the first wineries to stake a claim in Carneros, purchasing 180 acres. Today, Bernard Portet is Vice Chairman and is joined by Chief Operating Officer, John Clews.

Clews reinvented the Pinot Noir program when he joined the winery in 1999, directing the replanting of Carneros vineyards using new clones and rootstocks and instituting sustainable agriculture and viticultural techniques. A Pinot Noir is released under both the Clos Du Val Classic series and Reserve series.

The tasting room is open daily and offers a reserve tasting of limited and library wines. Tours are by appointment (707-261-5200). The wines are available online.