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.
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.
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!
Wow. Thank you for sharing.
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.