Reservations are a must! Call a couple of weeks ahead of time, so you get the day and time slot you want. They only have two time slots, either 10am or 2pm. The wine tour and tasting runs about three hours (half tour, half tasting), but it's totally worth it! The winery grounds are gorgeous. Great scenic views. The tour and tasting combo is $40, but it's waived if you buy an equivalent amount of wine. Sweet! Their bottles range from about $25 to $50 depending on what you get.

A Labor of Love Across Two Generations

The Kapcsándy story is a unique blend of old-world values and American ingenuity, merging classic European grand cru-style with cutting-edge technology. At its heart, it is the tale of a family deeply passionate about wine.

Lou Kapcsándy emigrated from Hungary to the U.S. in 1956, embarking on a successful career in chemical engineering and manufacturing, first in the San Francisco Bay Area and later in Seattle. Through connections in the wine industry, he began sourcing exceptional European wines for his collection, while also mentoring a group of emerging entrepreneurs who would become early pioneers in Washington State’s wine scene.

In 1998, a visit by Lou and his wife, Bobbie, to the historic Bordeaux estate of Leoville-Las Cases sparked a new ambition: to establish a wine business in partnership with their son, Louis, Jr., and to retire in California’s Napa Valley. The family started exploring available properties and, within three months, found a unique 20-acre parcel in Yountville, which was once part of Beringer Estates’ Private Reserve Cabernet program. In May 2000, they closed escrow on the property and initiated a meticulous plan to replant the vineyard, which included two years of soil nutrient restoration.

By 2002, the Kapcsándys had completely replanted their vineyard with 15 distinct blocks of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Cabernet Franc. Construction of a state-of-the-art winery was completed in September 2005. The family then began to bring their vision to life: to produce wines of “First Growth” quality that could compete with the finest in the world. Since 2004, the family has lived and worked on-site, overseeing every facet of vineyard management and winemaking.

Visitors are invited to experience Kapcsándy Family Winery, a multi-generational labor of love that infuses the finesse and elegance of European grand cru wines into the Napa Valley.

Sorry people, this place is private. As it should be. The Kapcsandy's have effortlessly created some of the greatest wine my lips and palate have ever tasted. After taking a tour of the spotless grounds which used to be Beringer Estates, we adjourned ourselves to the tasting room where I, along with close friends and cohorts divided our time among the vast amount of premier wines the Kapcsandy Family Winery has to offer. The Kapcsandy Family Winery is well on its way to make its permanent mark on the wine world. Using the best resources, well thought out methods, and grade "A" ingredients make these wines a challenger to all who dare to face them. They are truly a winery who reside at the top of their game. 

Cornerstone/Stepping Stone didn't disappoint and ended up with a fantastic wine tasting experience from start to finish. Its small, but tasteful wine room makes you feel as if you are being welcomed to the vinter's home. Its cozy tables and bar tables offer some fantastic pours with a plethora of wines whether it is syrah, sauvignon blanc, or syrah. However, it is their cabernet that truly shines. Yet everyone's taste is different and while your experience might be different, I certainly think it is worth the experience. The staff are knowledgeable and helpful. They aren't pushy, however they explain the nuances between each wine they have crafted and what sets it apart from other wineries in the area. Prices are rather reasonable with a its higher price Cornerstone wines and its "price friendly" Stepping Stone series. Certainly a great wine room when you are on a tour of Napa!