Every year, Wine Spectator names a Wine of the Year. The coveted award for the 2012 went to Shafer Vineyards in the Stags Leap district of Napa Valley. The winning wine was the 2008 Relentless, which, incidentally is sold out.
The story of Shafer Vineyards is a delightful one. Founder John Shafer was in the publishing business in Chicago but in 1972 he decided to move his family to the Napa Valley and grow grapes, even though he knew nothing about it. His hilly vineyard had old vines from the 1920s that had to be replanted and the hillside needed terracing. It was labor intensive to say the least. In 1978 he made his first vintage of cabernet sauvignon and the rest is history, as they say.
John and his family are humble, down to earth people shrugging off their celebrity status. Son Doug is now CEO and describes himself as a farmer who just wants to make great wine. And they do.
Champagne in the News
August 1, 2024 -- Champagne is in the news with falling sales, a ship wreck discovery, and a new bottle...
Wine’s Integral Role in Mediterranean Diet Confirmed
July 15, 2024 – The Mediterranean Diet has been popular for several decades but the good news is that moderate...
Neo-Prohibitionists Gather Strength
April 17, 2024 -- You’d think Prohibitionists might have learned their lesson with the “Noble Experiment” of the 18th Amendment...
Who Are the Biggest Binge Drinkers in the World?
November 15, 2023 – Here’s a good guessing game next time you’re downing a few: Which country can boast being...