Founder of Napa’s Chappellet winery dies

Donn Chappellet, the founder of Pritchard Hill’s Chappellet Winery and respected leader in the Napa Valley wine community, has died aged 84.

Donn Chappellet passed away peacefully at his home in Pritchard Hill on 22 May aged 84

An avid collector of First Growth Bordeaux, Donn believed that Napa Valley had the potential to produce wines equal to those of France.

Donn and Molly founded Chappellet, on the rocky slopes of Pritchard Hill in Napa’s St Helena, in 1967. One of the early pioneers of high-elevation hillside planting, Donn helped to influence a generations of vintners.

Donn was also active in the early Napa Valley wine community as a founding member of the Wine Services Co-op, and one of the first 18 members of the Napa Valley Vintners Association.

For the last 50 years Donn and Molly Chappellet have worked to build a reputation for Chappellet as one of Napa’s great family-owned and operated wineries, known in particular for its Cabernet Sauvignon.

All six of his children have been involved in the business, with Cyril Chappellet named chairman of the company in 2013.

“Dad was the kindest, most thoughtful person,” said Cyril Chappellet. “He was our rock, our mentor, and an inspiration, not just to our entire family, but to so many others as well. He was also humble beyond belief. Despite everything he accomplished, he never took the credit. He always preferred to give others the stage. Along with my mom, my dad created the foundation that our family has been building on for the past 50 years. He believed that the best was still yet to come for Chappellet. Now it is our turn to honor that dream, and his wonderful legacy.”

Donn passed away peacefully on 22 May at his home on Pritchard Hill surrounded by his family. He is survived by his wife, Molly Chappellet, his sister, Sybil Chappellet, Molly and Donn’s six children: Lygia, Cyril, Carissa, Jon-Mark, Alexa and Dominic, their eleven grandchildren and one greatgrandchild.