Warren Winiarski, Vintner Who Revolutionized Napa Wine, Dies at 95
NAPA VALLEY, Calif. — Warren Winiarski, the visionary behind Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars and a key figure in elevating Napa Valley wines to global acclaim, passed away on June 7 at the age of 95.
Born in Chicago in 1928 to Polish American parents, Winiarski’s early exposure to winemaking came from his father, who crafted mead and fruit wines. His journey into the world of wine, however, was not direct. Initially drawn to the humanities, Winiarski attended St. John’s College in Annapolis, Maryland, where he met his future wife, Barbara, a painter. After earning a graduate degree from the University of Chicago, he spent time in Italy researching political theorists and developed a love for wine.
Winiarski’s pivotal moment came during a tasting of an East Coast wine, which ignited his passion for winemaking. This led him to Napa Valley in 1964, where he apprenticed at Souverain Cellars and later worked at the Robert Mondavi Winery as its first hired winemaker. His quest for the perfect terroir brought him to the Stag’s Leap District, where he founded Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars in 1970.
Winiarski’s wines quickly gained prominence, culminating in the historic 1976 Judgment of Paris, where his 1973 cabernet sauvignon outshone the best of Bordeaux. This victory placed California wines on the world stage, forever changing the perception of New World wines.
Beyond his winemaking prowess, Winiarski was a dedicated conservationist and philanthropist. He played a significant role in supporting the Napa Valley Agricultural Preserve and contributed significantly to the Land Trust of Napa County. His philanthropy extended to the Smithsonian Institution and UC Davis, where he supported research and preservation efforts.
Winiarski’s influence extended through his teaching and mentorship, which impacted many in the wine industry. His legacy is not only in the wines he created but also in the countless individuals he inspired.
He is survived by his children, Stephen, Julia and Kasia, and six grandchildren. His wife, Barbara, passed away in 2021.
Winiarski will be remembered for his contributions to winemaking, his commitment to environmental preservation, and his lasting impact on Napa Valley and the global wine community.
For a bit of perspective on the California wine industry and its early stars, Warren had style from his first vintage, 1972. I included that wine in a roundup for San Francisco Magazine on the top 20 Cabernet Sauvignon wines in California for under $5! Others included BV Rutherford, for $4. Whew!
Thank you for honoring Warren Winiarski's huge contribution to the Napa Valley's Wine Industry and his life. Although I had left the Valley by the time he arrived, I heard of him often through my mother, M.F.K. Fisher, known in the Valley at that time as Mary Frances Friede. I recall her writing to me about Stag's Leap and how much she enjoyed being there, and consuming their wonderful wine. What a history he created in the wine industry, and also as the founder and owner of the Stag's Leap Winery. My condolences to his family and also to all who knew him. The wonderful photo by Bob McClenahan brought up some amazing memories of many of the early vintners in the Napa Valley back in the 1960s. Their generation will be missed.... but their contributions live on.