From Gold Rush To Grapevines Stagecoach Vineyard
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Deep in the heart of Napa Valley's eastern hills lies a piece of land with a history as rich as the grapes it now produces.
In the Gold Rush era, this land served as a vital stagecoach stop for weary travelers, but that was just the beginning of its story. Fast forward to the early '90s, and you'll find Jan and Bart Krupp, two adventurous souls with a vision.
They acquired this rugged terrain, determined to transform it into the iconic Stagecoach Vineyard.
The challenges they faced were monumental: steep slopes, rocky soil, and a rugged, untamed environment. But the Krupps had an unshakeable vision, and they weren't alone in their journey. You see, long before the Krupps arrived, this land had witnessed its fair share of pioneers.
One such pioneer was Charles Earl Bowles, a figure shrouded in the lore of the Gold Rush. Known as "Black Bart," he was a notorious stagecoach robber who operated in the late 1800s. Some say it was right here, on this very land, that Black Bart once staged one of his audacious heists.
As Jan and Bart began their transformation, they paid homage to the land's storied past. They knew that like Black Bart, they were pioneers in their own right, but instead of taking from the land, they sought to give back. Grape varieties were meticulously chosen to thrive in the diverse microclimates offered by the land's varied elevations, ranging from 900 to a breathtaking 1,750 feet.
News of Stagecoach's potential spread rapidly throughout the Napa Valley wine community. Esteemed winemakers and celebrated wineries flocked to source grapes from this remarkable terrain. Wines crafted from Stagecoach fruit soon became synonymous with excellence in the valley.
But the Krupp family's commitment extended far beyond the vine rows. They embraced sustainable farming practices, ensuring they nurtured the land just as it nurtured the grapes. Conservation measures protected the local ecosystem and wildlife, creating a modern harmony between nature and wine production.
Our 2021 Stagecoach Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon is available to members here.
This 600-acre vineyard extends its rugged embrace from the Atlas Peak AVA all the way north to the prestigious Pritchard Hill region. And it's here that Stringer Cellars finds its inspiration for the vineyard-designated Cabernet Sauvignon.
Stagecoach Vineyard is a testament to both nature's beauty and its challenges. The Cabernet Sauvignon that graces Stringer Cellars' bottles hails from a specific corner of this vast expanse, known as Block C3A.
Block C3A is 1.63 acres planted at 1,600 feet to Clone 337 Cabernet Sauvignon. The block is characterized by fiery red volcanic rock, a testament to ancient geological forces. This rocky foundation imparts distinctive minerality to the grapes, lending a unique flavor profile to the wine.
But it's not just the rocks that make this place special. The region experiences dramatic diurnal temperature shifts—warm days and cool nights. This natural rhythm is ideal for ripening Cabernet Sauvignon, allowing the grapes to develop complex flavors while maintaining acidity, a hallmark of great wines.
Today, Stagecoach Vineyard stands as a testament to the unwavering determination and modern vision of the E & J Gallo Winery, which purchased the property in 2016. It is a symbol of Napa Valley's winemaking prowess, a triumph of transforming adversity into wine industry prestige.
