Joseph Phelps Vineyards

Joseph Phelps Vineyards began in 1973 when Colorado building contractor Joe Phelps fell in love with a 640-acre cattle ranch near St. Helena and transformed it into one of Napa Valley's most prestigious wineries. After establishing a construction branch in the San Francisco Bay area, Joe explored Napa and Sonoma, becoming captivated by Napa's potential. The estate now encompasses over 425 acres across eight vineyards throughout Napa's distinguished appellations, plus 100 acres in Sonoma Coast dedicated to Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Joe built the winery's early reputation on Cabernet Sauvignon and Rhône-style bottles, establishing a foundation for today's diverse portfolio.

The inaugural 1973 vintage, produced at neighboring wineries before Joe completed his own facility for the 1974 harvest, included Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir, and Johannisberg Riesling. Notably, the 1974 harvest yielded California's first varietally-labeled Syrah, pioneering this little-known grape alongside the debut of Insignia. Joe revolutionized California winemaking by creating Insignia, Napa's first proprietary Bordeaux-style blend, representing a radical departure from California's then-focus on single varietal wines.

True to his pioneering spirit, Joe's quest for excellence led him to Freestone on the western Sonoma Coast in the late 1990s, where Phelps became one of the vanguard wineries developing cool-climate vineyards. This vision culminated in a dedicated Freestone winemaking facility in 2007. Throughout its history, the winery has maintained a deep commitment to land stewardship, embracing regenerative farming practices that enhance soil health, foster biodiversity, and ensure the long-term vitality of their exceptional vineyard sites.