The history of Chateau Montelena in Napa Valley, California, started with the arrival of Alfred A. Tubs in 1882. He bought 254 acres in what was soon to become the most productive wine producing region in the United States. His land was at the foot of
Mount Saint Helena. Against this wooded backdrop, he cleared the land and undertook 2 tasks. By 1886, he had planted his vineyards and his Chateau. In 1886, he improved upon his chances by hiring a French-born winemaker. With the combination of the winemaker's skill and the determination of the Tubbs family, the winery grew. In fact, by 1896, the Winery, now known as the Chateau Montelena, was the 7th largest producer in the area.
The Chateau Montelena Winery was sold by the family in 1958. A couple, Yort and Jeannie Frank, took over the Chateau. He became enamored with the property and began to work on improving the property. He created a Chinese Garden and created Jade Lake. After all these years, it is now home to many different forms of wildlife. Today, you can visit it as part of a wine tasting tour. The winery was revived under James Barrett in 1972. By 1976, the quality of their product could not be doubted. In fact, at the famous Paris Tasting in 1976, the wine chosen as the best white wine was a 1973 Chardonnay from Chateau Montelena. It was this showing that helped put Napa Valley wines and Chateau Montelena on the international map. Stop by and sample as part of a tour. Enjoy what are an excellent Chardonnay and a Cabernet Sauvignon.
