In 1968, Silverado’s estate vineyard became the fourth planted to Cabernet Sauvignon in the Stags Leap District, now world renowned for its Cabernet Sauvignon.
Over the next two decades, through meticulous field selection, an entirely new clone of Cabernet Sauvignon emerged here. The vines had adapted to Silverado Vineyard’s steep, shale soils to produce fruit with the character and structure for which the Stags Leap District came to be known.
The University of California, Davis acknowledged this unique vine with a ‘Heritage’ designation. It is one of only three Cabernet Sauvignon clones to attain this status––and the only one from Stags Leap District.
Each year, we honor this extraordinary clone distinction with SOLO.
One of the first four vineyards planted to Cabernet in the appellation in the 1960’s, Silverado’s Stags Leap vineyard helped establish the reputation of the Stags Leap District. The vineyard is blessed with western exposures to the late afternoon sun. It is also home to our winery, located on the northeastern top of the knoll, surrounded by slopes of gravelly soils which form our best individual blocks.
Cabernet Sauvignon FPS 30 is one of three well-respected Cabernet Sauvignon clones that were selected by Phil Freese and Deborah Golino in 1989 from Napa Valley vineyards with a reputation for quality wine production. The Disney Silverado selection was collected from an old vineyard off the Silverado Trail. That vineyard was believed to be planted with the ‘See Clone’ of Cabernet Sauvignon. Microshoot tip tissue culture therapy was used to clean up FPS 30 and is now part of the UC Davis plant material catalogue.
The majestic beauty of the Silverado Vineyard site has captivated its owners since the 1840’s. Its agricultural legacy serves as a living diorama of the development of Napa Valley and of its now-thriving grape-growing tradition. SOLO is Silverado’s singular expression of this storied site.
Commandant of the San Francisco Presidio Garrison–Land Grant was Yajome Rancho: E. of Napa River, W. of Vacas from Napa to Yountville.
Captain–Military Commander, Sonoma Center, Mexican Army Major–1st Battalion of native Cavalry, California Volunteers in the Civil War, Union Army, Civil War Subdivided the Rancho.
Unknown.
Napa County District Attorney, County Judge, State Assemblyman, State Senator, Founder of Bank of Napa. Pictured.
Yountville blackberry grower.
Saloonkeeper, gold miner, livery stable owner, insurance agent, dairyman, grape grower—first planted the property to vinifera, (Zinfandel Burger and Burgundy) in 1888.
Unknown.
President of Napa Shoe Makers.
Son of a U.S. Senator.
of San Francisco.
Grazing land during prohibition.
Berkeley fruit dealer.
Became known as Goeken Ranch with cattle sold under the “G/G” brand.
California’s great chocolatiers – changed the property name to Silverado Vineyard.
In 1978, Ron and Diane Miller purchased the 226 acres in the heart of the now celebrated Stags Leap District. They founded Silverado Vineyards on this land in 1981.
Today, their children and grandchildren carry their family legacy forward.
