BRAND HISTORY
1973
THE STORY OF JOSEPH PHELPS
1973
1973
IT BEGAN WITH A VISION
A belief in the possibility of something bigger and better – something that didn’t quite exist yet. In the early 1970s, Napa Valley was a sleepy agricultural town on the brink of a fine-wine awakening. Drawing on his construction experience, Joe set about establishing the building blocks of winemaking excellence.
THE STORY OF JOSEPH PHELPS
1974
1974
FIRST INSIGNIA LAUNCH
In 1974, he had the idea to make a unique blend each year, one that would represent the finest wine he could make from each vintage. He didn’t necessarily think it would always be a Cabernet Sauvignon either. His only thought was to make one wine that represented the best of Joseph Phelps Vineyards.
THE STORY OF JOSEPH PHELPS
1991
1991
INSIGNIA’S FIRST 100-POINT RATING FROM ROBERT PARKER
THE STORY OF JOSEPH PHELPS
1999
1999
LAND PURCHASED IN FREESTONE AND PLANTED PINOT NOIR & CHARDONNAY
Just eight miles from the Pacific Ocean – was socked in by fog that lingered into the early afternoon on most summer days. For grapes, this cool area was relatively untested. But with its Goldridge soils and rumored potential for both Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, it was a region that Joe wanted to explore.
THE STORY OF JOSEPH PHELPS
2005
2005
THE 2002 INSIGNIA RATED #1 WINE OF THE YEAR BY WINE SPECTATOR
THE STORY OF JOSEPH PHELPS
2005
2005
FIRST PINOT NOIR VINTAGE FROM FREESTONE
THE STORY OF JOSEPH PHELPS
2023
2023
CELEBRATING THE WINERY’S 50TH ANNIVERSARY
Today, Insignia is widely regarded as a qualitative benchmark for Californian winemaking that has earned Joseph Phelps its longstanding reputation for excellence. In 2023, Joseph Phelps Vineyards proudly celebrates its 50th Anniversary as a pioneer of California winemaking excellence
