Joseph Phelps was a successful builder in Colorado when he threw himself into wine. After establishing a branch office for his construction company in the San Francisco Bay Area, he began to explore the Napa and Sonoma wine regions. He was particularly intrigued by Napa’s potential. In 1973, when he first encountered the Napa Valley property that would become the home of Joseph Phelps Vineyards, it was a 600-acre former cattle ranch near St. Helena. According to Joe, there wasn’t a grape in sight, only ‘lots of nice-looking cattle.’ By embedding his no-compromise philosophy deep into the bedrock of the winery, Joe set the framework to push for greatness. In 1974, he had the idea to make a unique blend each year, one that would represent the finest wine he could make from each vintage. For half a century and three generations, the Joseph Phelps Vineyards team has followed in Joe’s trailblazing footsteps for winemaking excellence, gracious hospitality, and sustainability efforts in our vineyards and wineries to preserve and enhance the cherished Napa Valley region.