Chateau Montelena – NAPA GALA

chateau montelena

One of the worlds iconic brands, Chateau Montelena Winery was founded in 1882 by San Francisco entrepreneur and State Senator Alfred Tubbs. The winery, however, is most widely known for its victory at the 1976 Judgement of Paris when it's 1973 Chardonnay bested some of the greatest white Burgundies and other top California Chardonnays in a blind tasting held for a who's-who of the French wine and food establishment gathered at the Inter-Continental Hotel in Paris. The results proved that Chateau Montelena could produce some of the world's finest wines, and that California's wine industry had come of age.

Since the Barrett family purchased and re-invigorated Chateau Montelena in 1972, the winery has remained family-owned and committed to producing world-class, age-worthy wines. These wines are produced in a classic, old-world style but using California fruit - they showcase high-quality grapes, vintage growing conditions, as well as Chataeu Montelena's unique vineyard sites.

www.Montelena.com

george blanckensee

estate director

As Estate Director at Chateau Montelena, George oversees all DTC and export sales at the Chateau, including events, guest experiences, and property grounds. A Bay Area native, George grew up in San Francisco before heading to Southern California, where he attended and graduated from the University of California, Irvine, with a degree in Political Science. While in school, he started working in the hotel business, where he stayed for over 20 years – most of which time was concentrated in the food and beverage operations at resorts in both Southern and Northern California, Florida, and Colorado.
George realized his passion for wine and entered the wine industry as opening General Manager for Press Club, a unique wine tasting venue in downtown San Francisco. With a long-term relationship with Chateau Montelena as a buyer and supporter for over 20 years, he eventually joined the team at Montelena in 2009.
Along with his 15 year tenure at Chateau Montelena, George has been active within the Napa Valley Community, sitting on the Executive board of the Calistoga Winegrower’s Association for over 8 years, and currently on the board for the Calistoga Chamber of Commerce.