ChandonThe chapters and people that shaped the Napa Valley of today.
Native Roots
The Patwin, Coast Miwok, and Wappo tribes were the first to call Napa Valley home, living near rivers, hunting big game and fish, and gathering acorns, grasses, and berries.
Spanish, Mexican, and Early American Influence - In the early 1800s, Spanish and Mexican explorers introduced new ways of living off the land, including grape cultivation and cattle ranching. Pioneer George C. Yount, the first “Americano” to receive a Mexican land grant, planted Napa’s first grapevines at Rancho Caymus in 1839.
A Town Takes Shape
Nathan Coombs founded the town of Napa in 1847, recognizing its promise as a trade hub at the meeting of the Napa River and Napa Creek. The Gold Rush and local silver mines brought fortune seekers, while the 1869 opening of Sawyer Tannery earned acclaim for “Napa Leather.”
Healing Waters
Sam Brannan, California’s first millionaire, helped establish Calistoga as a healing destination with the opening of his Hot Springs Hotel resort in 1862.
The Birth of a Wine Legacy
Charles Krug founded Napa’s first commercial winery in 1861, and in 1886, Josephine Tychson became one of California’s first female vintners.
Prohibition Pivot
Prohibition halted wine production in 1920, shifting the agricultural focus to cattle ranching for decades. During World War II, Mexican “braceros” became vital to agriculture and winemaking—a contribution that remains part of Napa Valley’s cultural fabric.
A Modern Wine Renaissance
Post-Prohibition, the 1966 founding of Robert Mondavi Winery set new winemaking standards. In 1976, Napa shocked the world at the Judgment of Paris, with Chateau Montelena and Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars triumphing over French wines—a victory that cemented Napa’s global reputation.
Culinary Excellence Emerges
The 1970s sparked a culinary rise, with Domaine Chandon pairing fine dining with wine. The French Laundry opened in 1978 and reached global acclaim under Thomas Keller, who took ownership in 1994 and earned three Michelin stars and countless accolades.
Setting a New Stage
The 2013 debut of BottleRock Napa Valley reintroduced the region as a place where the next generation comes to play. Read more.
