Clos du Val

Born with a love of fine wine and a pioneering spirit, Clos Du Val founder John Goelet, a descendent of the Guestier wine merchant family of Bordeaux, searched for land in premiere wine growing regions across three continents over forty years ago to inspire a collection of four world-class estate wineries still flourishing today. Clos Du Val is the Napa Valley jewel in the Goelet Family portfolio.

The Goelet family’s original vision to produce world-class wines that express the terroir of the vineyards from which they are crafted remains the underlying essence of Clos Du Val wines and all of the Goelet Wine Estates sister wineries.

Goelet established Clos Du Val in 1972 with 150 acres of vineyards in what is known now as the Stags Leap District of Napa Valley. Soon after, he acquired 180 acres of prime Carneros hillside vineyards. Clos Du Val’s first release, a 1972 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, was chosen as one of six California Cabernets to compete against French Bordeaux wines at the infamous 1976 Paris Tasting. Ten years later, the same wine won first place in a rematch of the same American and French wines. The 1986 tasting established Clos Du Val’s reputation for world-class Cabernet Sauvignon. Winemaker Kristy Melton handcrafts all of our wines to reflect the classic style, finesse and grace Clos Du Val is known for. Wine Enthusiast named Kristy one of wine’s “Top 40 Under 40 Tastemakers” in June 2013.

The Three Graces, Splendor, Mirth and Joy have adorned Clos Du Val’s labels since 1972. These mythical daughters of Zeus were said to preside over Olympian banquets and celebrations, spreading good cheer and raising a glass to the prosperity, happiness, health and good fortune of all. May it ever be.

Our story began with 150 acres in the Stags Leap District, which became a world-renowned appellation. Today Clos Du Val owns vineyards in three outstanding Napa Valley appellations: Stags Leap District, Carneros, and Yountville. Each has a unique microclimate perfectly suited for the varietals that grow there. And each lends a distinctive flavor to the wines we produce from these vineyards.

Farming & Sustainability

Outstanding fruit can only come from healthy soil and an ongoing commitment to the environment. We have more than 40 years of farming excellence under our belt across 347 acres of Napa Valley estate vineyards. With complete control over our viticulture practices, we consistently produce outstanding fruit. Our continuing commitment to sustainability is essential as we steward the land for the current generation and those to come.

Certifications

Clos Du Val is enrolled in the Fish Friendly Farming Certification Program, which is run by the California Land Stewardship Institute. The Fish Friendly Farming program provides expertise on erosion and soil loss, stream bank failure, and water quality. Clos Du Val is also a member of Napa Green, a comprehensive best practices program for land use and wine production. Napa Valley vintners and growers develop farm-specific plans tailored to protect and enhance Napa’s ecological quality.

Our Soil

Since 2001, Clos Du Val has planted permanent grasses in all of its mid-rows and vineyard roads. By avoiding tilling, the winery preserves soil structure, encourages beneficial insects, and reduces the flow of sediment off the land. Mowing instead of tilling also delivers significant amounts of clippings, which act as mulch. Clos Du Val applies up to 1000 tons of organic compost to the vineyards each year to improve soil health and microbial activity.

Pest Control

The winery’s non-till policy helps prevent pests, and Clos Du Val also releases predatory insects to control pests. Each vineyard site has its own weather station, which provides data for enabling the operations team to minimize spraying while increasing its effectiveness.

Water Conservation

Weather stations at each vineyard collect data that support watering decisions. Plant stress readings and soil moisture monitoring helps maximize irrigation effectiveness. On 150 acres of vines and the winery landscaping, the winery uses recycled water from the town of Yountville to conserve ground water.

Wildlife Preservation

Clos Du Val has installed owl boxes for rodent control at each vineyard. In addition, the winery allows deer and other mammals to traverse the vineyards to maintain the habitat.

Efficient Harvesting

Many of the grapes in the Carneros vineyards are picked by hand. When needed in the vineyards, trucks and tractors run on bio-diesel fuel for better efficiency.

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