On November 4, 2025, the lush gardens and hacienda courtyards of Paradise Valley’s Hermosa Inn played host to a full day celebrating the prestige of Napa Valley’s Stags Leap District.

The day’s events began with a master class inviting Arizona’s top sommeliers, retailers, and restaurateurs for an in-depth exploration of what makes this appellation one of the world’s most distinctive for Cabernet Sauvignon.

Moderated by The SOMM Journal’s publisher and editor-in-chief Meridith May, the panel featured Alison Rodriguez of Silverado Vineyards, Ludovic Dervin of Stags’ Leap Winery, Josh Widaman of Pine Ridge Vineyards, and Elizabeth Vianna of Chimney Rock Winery. The informative discussion was followed by an al fresco walk-around tasting and luncheon for more Stags Leap exploration (look for my recap of the afternoon in the February 2026 issue of The SOMM Journal).

*The SOMM Journal’s* publisher and editor-in-chief Meridith May, Alison Rodriguez of Silverado Vineyards, Ludovic Dervin of Stags’ Leap Winery, Josh Widaman of Pine Ridge Vineyards, and Elizabeth Vianna of Chimney Rock Winery.

In the evening, The House of Cab Phoenix event offered the public an exclusive opportunity to meet the owners, winemakers, and vintners behind some of the most lauded wines in the world.

As the sun set over Camelback Mountain, attendees sampled pours from celebrated wineries including Baldacci Family Vineyards, Chimney Rock Winery, Cliff Lede Vineyards, Pine Ridge Vineyards, Quixote Winery, Shafer Vineyards, Silverado Vineyards, Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars, and Stags’ Leap Winery.

Culinary artistry from Lon’s at the Hermosa Inn, led by Executive Chef Brian Peterson, complemented the tasting with charcuterie spreads and passed bites.

Another highlight was “To Decant or Not to Decant. Come Taste,” pesented by Riedel. Guests were educated on the art of decanting and given the opportunity to sample the rare 2022 Cabernet Collaboration.

Only four barrels were produced of this celebratory 2022 Cabernet, a blend of the most prestigious lots from Baldacci Family Vineyards, Chimney Rock Winery, Cliff Lede Vineyards, Ilsley Vineyards, Lindstrom Wines, Malk Family Vineyards, Pine Ridge Vineyards, Quixote Winery, Regusci Winery, Shafer Vineyards, Silverado Vineyards, Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars, Stags’ Leap Winery, and Taylor Family Vineyards. The 15-point buck on the label represents each of the member wineries coming together to create this rare bottling.

It was a night where Napa elegance met Southwest charm, with world-class Cabernets and award-winning food at one of Arizona’s most historic properties. Cheers to Stags Leap!

Stags Leap District House of Cab Hits the Road