Winemaker Matthew Crafton manages Chateau Montelena Mount Veeder Chardonnay acquisition marks a new era for its iconic white; planting begins 2026 with Bo Barrett.
If you love California Chardonnay, this is one to watch. The Chateau Montelena Mount Veeder Chardonnay acquisition isn’t just a land deal—it’s a statement.
Long before tasting rooms were selfie backdrops, Montelena helped put American wine on the global map. Now, the Napa icon has secured a new vineyard at the base of Mount Veeder in the Carneros AVA, the future home of its world-famous Chardonnay.
It’s a move that nods to history (hello, 1976) and looks squarely to the next generation. Think Old World discipline with West Coast confidence—the kind of evolution you’ll want to pour in real time, whether you’re in Los Angeles, Manhattan, Miami Beach, or Aspen.
Why This Matters: Legacy Meets Momentum
Chateau Montelena’s story spans 140+ years—founded in 1882 by Alfred L. Tubbs, revived by the Barrett family in 1972, and cemented in wine history when the 1973 Chardonnay outpaced Burgundy at the Judgment of Paris.
That moment reset expectations for California wine and still inspires collectors from San Francisco to Berlin. (If you want to revisit the cultural shockwave, the Smithsonian’s documentation of the Judgment of Paris is a must-read.)
Winemaker Matthew Crafton and CEO Bo Barrett
Today, under CEO Bo Barrett and Winemaker Matthew Crafton, the winery is accelerating a long-term vision rooted in authenticity, craft, and patience. The new 73-acre site in Carneros brings well-drained loam and red volcanic soils—tailor-made for Chardonnay—and a microclimate known for poise and structure.
Relatable moment: yes, terroir is complex, but you know balance when you taste it.
“WE’RE NOT JUST MAKING WINE FOR TODAY
WE’RE BUILDING A FUTURE WHERE CHATEAU MONTELENA REMAINS A BEACON OF QUALITY AND
LONGEVITY FOR AMERICAN WINE,”
BO BARRETT
CEO OF CHATEAU MONTELENA
“This new vineyard is a testament to our belief that the best is yet to come. We’ve always aimed to push boundaries, to show the world what American wine can be, and this step ensures that legacy thrives for generations.”
Inside the Vineyard: Carneros Precision, Mount Veeder Personality
What the Chateau Montelena Mount Veeder Chardonnay acquisition unlocks
Carneros is famed for cool mornings, bay breezes, and long ripening windows that deliver acid, detail, and age-worthy structure—three traits that define Montelena’s style. The vineyard’s mix of loam and red volcanic soils promises layers: citrus blossom, pome fruit, mineral cut, and that Montelena savor that wins blind tastings and quiet nods at Michelin counters from Chicago to Hong Kong.
Planting begins in 2026, with a thoughtful integration into the estate’s portfolio. Translation: no rush, no shortcuts. Expect a phased approach that lets each block express its season—classic Montelena.
“AT MONTELENA, WE’RE DEFINED BY AN UNRELENTING PUSH FOR EXCELLENCE,”
WINEMAKER MATTHEW CRAFTON
“This vineyard isn’t just land—it’s an opportunity to refine and elevate our Chardonnay, to capture the essence of each vintage with even greater precision. Despite sensational headlines and the pervasive pessimism of the wine industry, we firmly believe in its resilience. By embracing change and capitalizing on a growing appreciation for authenticity and craftsmanship, the industry is evolving, not declining. This investment is a testament to that belief.”
Think of it like upgrading your kitchen knives—you’ll still cook the same dishes, but the finesse gets sharper.
From Paris to the Present: Continuity with a Purpose
Montelena’s philosophy remains unchanged: let each vintage speak. The Chateau Montelena Mount Veeder Chardonnay acquisition strengthens that approach, giving the team another lens to frame time, place, and patience.
In an era of scaling up, Montelena is doubling down on being family-owned and artisan-focused, resisting growth that would dilute quality.
That restraint feels very right now for diners in Washington, DC, and sommeliers in Atlanta who value provenance as much as polish.
FAQ: Chateau Montelena’s Next Chapter
Q1: What exactly did Chateau Montelena acquire?
A: A 73-acre vineyard at the base of Mount Veeder in the Carneros AVA, envisioned as the future home of its iconic Chardonnay.
Q2: When will vines go in the ground?
A: Planting begins in 2026, with a long-term plan to integrate the site alongside Montelena’s other vineyards.
Q3: How does this tie back to the Judgment of Paris?
A: The move underscores the standard set by Montelena’s 1973 Chardonnay—precision, longevity, and world-class quality—while positioning the wine for the next 50 years.
The Pour Forward
This acquisition isn’t about chasing trends; it’s about building longevity. Expect clarity, depth, and patience—hallmarks of Montelena—refined through a new Carneros-Meets-Mount-Veeder lens. When the first fruit arrives, the bottle you open in San Francisco or Berlin will carry a familiar signature, written with a finer pen. Here’s to what time, terroir, and intention can do—glass by glass.
