Joseph Phelps

Joseph Phelps, a successful building contractor from Colorado, bough a 270 hectare former cattle ranch in the then little developed Napa valley in 1972. After planting vineyards he launching the now legendary Insignia, Napa’s first Bordeaux blend, in 1974. Now run by Joe’s son Bill Phelps, there are 172 hectares in the Napa along with 40 hectares in western Sonoma Coast, where Phelps was an early pioneer and from where some fine elegant Chardonnay and Pinot Noir come. Ashley Hepworth is only the fourth head winemaker in nearly 50 years and this consistency has helped maintain the very highest standards.