Corison Winery

Cathy Corison established Corison Winery in 1987, building her vision around elegant, terroir-driven Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa Valley's benchlands. The winery's defining asset, Kronos Vineyard, was purchased in 1995 and includes some of the oldest Cabernet Sauvignon vines in Napa Valley, planted in 1971 by Leo Nachbaur. A Victorian-style winery barn was completed on the property in 1999, which now serves as an appointment-only tasting room. Sunbasket Vineyard was added to the estate in 2015, though Corison had sourced fruit from that site for more than 25 years prior to the purchase.

• Winery founded 1987 by Cathy Corison
• Kronos Vineyard purchased 1995; vines originally planted 1971
• Victorian-style barn built 1999, now the tasting room
• Sunbasket Vineyard purchased 2015 after 25+ years of fruit sourcing

Corison's vineyards sit on the St. Helena benchland, occupying a corridor between Rutherford and St. Helena. The soils are well-drained alluvial material, specifically Bale gravelly loam, with a rocky composition that stresses vines and concentrates flavor without sacrificing acidity. The benchland climate delivers cool nights and warm days, a combination that preserves natural acidity and extends the growing season. Both estate vineyards were certified organic by CCOF in 2023.

• Soils: alluvial with rocks, classified as Bale gravelly loam
• Climate: cool nights and warm days typical of Napa Valley benchland
• Location: benchland between Rutherford and St. Helena within St. Helena AVA
• CCOF organic certification achieved in 2023

Corison produces three Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignons, all from benchland vineyards. The winemaking philosophy is non-interventionist, prioritizing terroir expression and natural acidity over extraction and power. Alcohol levels are kept between 12.8 and 13.4 percent, well below the Napa Valley norm, and wines are aged 20 months in French oak with 50% new barrels. The grapes grown across the estate include Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Gewurztraminer, Riesling, and Sauvignon Blanc.

• Three Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignons produced from estate benchland sites
• Non-interventionist winemaking with emphasis on terroir and natural acidity
• 20 months aging in French oak, 50% new
• Alcohol consistently 12.8 to 13.4 percent across all wines

Cathy Corison co-owns the winery with William Martin and has been the driving force behind its identity since founding. Her recognition as San Francisco Chronicle Winemaker of the Year in 2011 cemented her standing as one of California's most influential winemakers. The next generation is already embedded in the operation: daughters Grace and Rose joined winery operations in 2020. The winery received the Golden Vines Sustainability Award in 2025, reflecting its longstanding commitment to organic farming and minimal intervention.

• Cathy Corison: founder, winemaker, and SF Chronicle Winemaker of the Year 2011
• William Martin is co-owner
• Daughters Grace and Rose active in operations since 2020
• Golden Vines Sustainability Award received in 2025