Caymus Vineyards
Napa Valley native Chuck Wagner didn’t have to travel far to find his calling in life. Raised on the family farm in Rutherford in the Napa Valley, Chuck joined his parents Charlie and Lorna in 1972 when they decided to bring their home winemaking talents into the world of professional vintners. The Wagners established Caymus Vineyards on their property, taking the name from the area’s history as a Mexican land grant know as Rancho Caymus, and began turning their good idea into some great wines.
Thirty-five years later, Chuck is in charge of viticulture and winemaking for Caymus, focusing exclusively on Cabernet Sauvignon. The brand’s two labels, Napa Valley and Special Selection, have consistently been a favorite of critics. Special Selection is the only wine to have been twice named “Wine of the Year” by Wine Spectator magazine.
Chuck worked closely with his father Charlie to make Caymus the highly respected name it is today. Charlie passed away in 2002, but the tradition of creating a business with a firm family foundation has continued with sons Charlie, winemaker for Mer Soleil Chardonnay, and Joseph, winemaker for Belle Glos Pinot Noir. A fourth label from the Wagner family is the blended white wine Conundrum, now an independent brand produced at a new facility in Monterey, but still owned by the Wagners.
