Cliff Lede Vineyards

Cliff Lede Vineyards was founded in 2002 by Cliff Lede following the acquisition of 60 acres in the Stags Leap District of Napa Valley. Cliff engaged industry experts to redesign the majority of the estate with plantings specific and precise to each soil type and exposure.

The property is split into two distinct vineyards in the northern corner of the Stags Leap District. Reaching from the valley floor to the highest elevations of the appellation, the Poetry Vineyard is on a steep, southwest-facing hillside that surrounds Poetry Inn. This iconic site is the sole source for the winery’s flagship Cabernet Sauvignon. Next to that hillside, the Rhythm Vineyard sits on the valley floor surrounding the tasting room and winery. Plantings here include Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, Malbec, Sauvignon Blanc, and Sémillon.

The modern winery combines time-tested techniques with innovative technology. This includes a three-tier sorting line which sorts grapes based upon quality settings established by the winemaker. A custom crane system gently delivers the berries to tank by gravity before fermentation. In 2011, a 300–kilowatt solar panel field was installed to fully power the winery. Wastewater is captured for irrigation and an extensive cave system provides a naturally cool space for wines to age.

Cliff Lede Vineyards’ production is overseen by Director of Winemaking Christopher Tynan and Winemaker Travis Bullard. Wines produced include Sauvignon Blanc, Stags Leap District Cabernet Sauvignon, Beckstoffer To Kalon Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon, Songbook Napa Valley, and the flagship wine, Poetry. Then there’s the Rock Block Series, Cliff decided to name each block after some of his favorite rock songs and albums. From “My Generation” to “Dark Side of the Moon”. The winemaking team gets creative with this innovation, annually crafting a small-lot Rock Block Series “mash up” of two or more blocks, featured in the tasting room and wine club.