Inspired by the author of the Declaration of Independence and third president of the United States Thomas Jefferson, who once said, “Good wine is a necessity of life for me,” Jay Corley founded Monticello Vineyards. Jay, who shares Mr. Jefferson’s love for wine and viticulture, as well as his ancestral roots in Virginia, chose the name Monticello to honor him.
Visitors to Monticello Vineyards are invited to taste the outstanding wines in a cozy tasting room. However, the most noteworthy edifice on the property might be the one designated for private tastings and dinners. It is a downsized version of the elaborate plantation home, Monticello, where Mr. Jefferson resided as he oversaw the construction of the University of Virginia in Charlottesville.
In 1969, Jay set out to find the right soils on which to build his dream. He found them in the Napa Valley, California. Initially, Jay grew grapes as a professional farmer, selling them to wineries during the 1970s. In 1980, Monticello celebrated its first crush of Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon. Today, Monticello Vineyards produces about 15,000 cases a year, focusing on six varietals: Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Pinot Noir, and Syrah. These grapes come from five different vineyards that encompass 112 acres.
A hands-on, family-oriented approach guides every step of the process. Three of Jay’s sons, Kevin, Chris, and Stephen, share responsibility for the winery as the winegrower, winemaker, and sales and marketing director, respectively. This aptly reflects their philosophy of “sunshine to wine.” As Stephen explains, “It helps that we’re small enough and passionate enough to walk every vineyard row, taste every wine, and talk to most every customer.”
Bearing three designations—Monticello Vineyards, Corley, and Corley Reserve—the wines have received accolades and 90+ point ratings from publications like The Wine Advocate, Wine Spectator, Wine Enthusiast, and Wine & Spirits. Although small, Monticello Vineyards has proven to be a force in the wine industry.
WHAT TO BUY
’09 Monticello Jefferson Cuvée Cabernet Sauvignon – $38
Dark berries, warm chocolate, vanilla
’09 Estate Grown Pinot Noir – $38
Ripe berry, vanilla, juicy fruit
’09 Corley Proprietary Red Wine – $55
Red berry, blackberry, chocolate, smoky coffee
CONTACT
707-253-2802 x18
wine@corleyfamilynapavalley.com
corleyfamilynapavalley.com
TASTING
Tasting Room Open Daily 10–4:30
4242 Big Ranch Rd.
Napa, CA 94558
SPECIAL NOTES
Walk-in tastings, private tastings by appointment, wine club, picnic grounds, sustainable farming practices.
Touring & Tasting is a media company that produces a wine and travel magazine and is also partner in the Hitched Wine Club.
Steve Cooper is the co-founder and editor-in-chief of Hitched. You can follow him on Twitter at @hitchedmedia.
