Swanson Vineyards | WineMaps
Description

For more than half a century, the Swanson name has been recognized primarily for frozen food products, as in the famous TV dinners the family launched in 1953, which, at that time, was a groundbreaking innovation in the food business.Twenty-five years ago, the Swanson family chartered another innovative course, this time into the world of wine. Commencing in the mid-1980’s, they were one of the earliest producers of Napa Valley Merlot. Today, while its wines are extraordinary, the mission of Swanson Vineyards is straightforward: to celebrate the simple pleasures in life, made better with wine.
The Swanson Vineyards story began in the summer of 1985, when W. Clarke Swanson, Jr. purchased a 100-acre property on Oakville Cross Road in the heart of Napa Valley. He was fortunate to obtain the services of André Tchelistcheff, one of the 20th century’s most sought-after winemakers, as a consultant, and, in the bold business style long associated with the Swanson name, planted Merlot in the heart of Cabernet Sauvignon country. As the risk paid off with excellent, well-received wine (a “Cab-lover’s Merlot”), the Swansons, together with their winemaking team, continued to experiment, planting other lesser-known varietals such as Sangiovese, Petite Sirah, Semillon and Pinot Grigio.
Swanson Vineyards now operates under the helm of winemaker Chris Phelps, an expert inboth Bordeaux and Napa styles, honed at the venerable Chateau Petrus and Dominus, under the tutelage of Christian Mouiex, and then later at Caymus, with Chuck Wagner. Phelps' wines are refined and elegant and at the same time remarkably approachable.

Winery Features
Business Info
  • 1271 Manley Lane
    Rutherford, CA 94573
    United States

Location
Winey Features
Varietals & regions
Winemaker & Owners
  • Winemaker :
    Chris Phelps, Marco Cappelli
  • Owners :
    W Clarke Swanson
  • Established Date :
    1985
Other Wineries like this
HALL Rutherford
56 Auberge Rd 94573 CA United States
ZD Wines
8383 Silverado Trail 94558 CA United States
William Harrison Vineyards and Winery
1443 Silverado Trl S 94574 CA United States
Whitehall Lane Winery
1563 St Helena Hwy 94574 CA United States
Mumm Napa
8445 Silverado Trl 94558 CA United States
Mount Veeder Winery
1178 Galleron Rd 94574 CA United States
Location
Business Info
  • 1271 Manley Lane
    Rutherford, CA 94573
    United States

Varietals & regions