Lots of wineries say they source grapes from the finest vineyards in [insert famous wine region here]. But in the case of Stewart Cellars, the claim is not marketing fluff. Over the past 25 years, the winery has established a reputation for producing expressive wines that reflect their Napa Valley and Sonoma County origins.
The story
Michael Stewart founded Stewart Cellars after selling the Texas-based technology company he had led for 25 years. A longtime wine enthusiast and frequent visitor to Napa Valley, Stewart knew exactly what he wanted to do for his next act: settle in California and start a family winery. Partnering with winemaker Paul Hobbs, he released his first small-lot Cabernet Sauvignon and Pinot Noir wines in 2000.
Stewart’s retirement project evolved into a true family enterprise. His daughter, Caroline Stewart Guthrie, now oversees daily operations; his son, James Stewart, leads sales and marketing; and his son-in-law, Blair Guthrie, serves as winemaker and vineyard manager.
Stewart Cellars buys grapes from several historic Beckstoffer vineyards in Napa Valley — including the legendary To Kalon — and grows its own on the family’s spectacular Montecillo Vineyard in the Moon Mountain appellation. Set on a rocky, wind-swept property high in the Mayacamas Mountains, the dry-farmed Montecillo estate includes one of Sonoma County’s oldest Cabernet Sauvignon blocks, planted in 1964.
Along with acclaimed Cabernet Sauvignon, the winery’s portfolio includes Pinot Noir, Zinfandel, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay and more.
The vibe
The Stewart tasting room is set in a compact stone building that looks historic but isn’t. (It was built about a decade ago from local stone that matches the materials used in much of Yountville’s downtown, so it fits right in.)
Inside, the space is bright and chic, done up in creamy tones with warm wood trim and high ceilings. Along with table and counter seating, there’s a pretty patio out back that provides a mini retreat from the bustle of Washington Street.
The adjacent Nomad Room, a stand-alone space used for special tastings, has an upscale cabin-meets-library ambiance. The bookshelves lining the walls include everything from first-edition novels to iconic cookbooks — and they’re all for sale.
On the palate
Guthrie likes to take a minimalist approach in the cellar, stepping back to let the vineyards and vintages show their personalities. The aromas of the 2023 Sonoma Mountain Chardonnay ($45) had me expecting a full-bodied, oak-driven profile. Instead, the wine surprised me with its lovely freshness and minerality. The 2022 GSM from Rossi Ranch ($65) has a beautiful aroma of raspberries and spice, along with savory notes and a silky texture.
At $175, the Nomad 2023 Old Vine Cabernet Sauvignon from Montecillo Vineyard is far from an everyday wine, but it’s definitely worth tasting if you get the chance. With deep aromas of oak and spice, and a solid, tannic structure, this is one to age or decant.
Tastings range from $45 for a mixed flight of current releases to $150 for the Nomad sampling of six single-vineyard Cabernet Sauvignons.
Beyond the bottle
Just next door to Stewart Cellars, you’ll find a different kind of tasting flight at Madeleine’s Macarons. The artisan shop offers a macaron and coffee flight ($38), which pairs four coffee drinks with four sweet treats. If you have time to linger, order a French-style crepe for lunch — I have my eye on the fig and brie version — or sign up for a macaron baking class.
Open from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily. Stewart Cellars, 6752 Washington St., Yountville. 707-963-9160, stewartcellars.com
Tina Caputo is a wine, food, and travel journalist who contributes to Sonoma magazine, SevenFifty Daily, Visit California, Northern California Public Media, KQED, and more. Follow her on Bluesky at @winebroad.bsky.social, view her website at tinacaputo.com, and email her story ideas at tina@caputocontent.com.