Memorial Services for Warren Winiarski to Be Livestreamed
NAPA VALLEY, Calif. — This week the community will gather to honor the legacy of Warren Winiarski, the renowned Napa Valley vintner and philanthropist. The Winiarski family has announced a public wake and a livestreamed memorial service.
Wake: Mont La Salle Chapel, 4401 Redwood Road, Napa, on Wednesday, June 26, from 3:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Memorial Service: A private service will be livestreamed on Thursday, June 27, starting at 11 a.m. Click here to join the service virtually.
Winiarski, who co-founded Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars with his wife, Barbara, passed away on June 7 as he was preparing for his 60th harvest in Napa Valley. He died peacefully at home at the age of 95.
Winiarski's contributions to the wine industry are profound. His 1973 Cabernet Sauvignon's triumph at the 1976 Judgment of Paris placed Napa Valley on the global wine map, revolutionizing the perception of New World wines. Beyond winemaking, Winiarski was a dedicated conservationist, donating significant tracts of land to the Land Trust of Napa County, ensuring the preservation of Napa's natural beauty for future generations.
A longtime advocate of land preservation, Winiarski supported legislation to protect agricultural spaces. His philanthropy extended to numerous organizations, including the Smithsonian National Museum of American History and UC Davis, where he funded research to address climate change impacts on viticulture.
The Winiarski family looks forward to a welcoming and joyous celebration of life for both Warren and Barbara Winiarski in the coming months. In lieu of flowers, donations are suggested to:
Warren Winiarski's legacy is not only in the wines he crafted but also in his lasting impact on the community and the environment. Join us in remembering and celebrating his remarkable life and enduring influence on Napa Valley and the world of wine.
From June 9: Warren Winiarski, Vintner Who Revolutionized Napa Wine, Dies at 95
Thank you for the excellent piece about Warren Winiarski and his memorial. Yes, he was a giant in creating wine, our valley, and in his positive actions throughout his life. Thanks, too, to NVF, for the link to online memorial at Mt. LaSalle. I was glad to attend in that manner. Antonia Allegra
Thank you for sharing this information. Although I cannot attend, I will continue thinking about Mr. Winiarski as his family learn to live with the emptiness they now have in their lives. Mr. Winiarski certainly worked hard to preserve the Napa Valley. I we do my best to remember him and his contributions whenever I visit!