A Tale of Two Terroirs: Exploring Stags Ridge’s Unique Duality
At Seven Apart, our wines reflect not just expert craftsmanship but also the profound and rare terroir of our Stags Ridge vineyard. Perched 1,475 feet above Napa Valley’s floor, this vineyard is a geological marvel where volcanic basalt and sedimentary shale coexist. These two dramatically different soils—shaped over millennia—yield wines that are as distinct as the land from which they come.
Two Soils, One Vineyard
While many vineyards see differences in clay or sand content, Stags Ridge offers something far rarer: two dramatically contrasting rock types in the same vineyard. Basalt, born from volcanic eruptions, and shale, formed from ancient sediment deposits, sit side by side—creating a unique terroir that gives rise to two extraordinary wines.
Shale: The Layered Elegance
01. Type: Sedimentary rock, formed from compacted silt and clay.
02. Structure: Fine-grained and fissile, shale challenges root penetration and drainage.
03. Expression: Wines grown on shale soil are softer, more refined, with a velvety texture and subtle complexity.
Basalt: The Volcanic Power
01. Type: Igneous rock, formed from rapidly cooling lava.
02. Structure: Dense, fine-grained, and nutrient-rich, basalt supports vigorous growth.
03. Expression: Wines from basalt soil are bold, structured, with vibrant energy and herbaceous undertones.
A Rare Testament to Terroir
It’s unusual for shale and basalt to coexist so closely. Shale forms in calm, low-energy environments, while basalt is born in volcanic upheaval. Only in regions like Napa Valley—where tectonic activity and erosion have shaped a complex geological history—can these two rock types be found side by side.
This creates a remarkable opportunity to explore terroir at its most precise. The vines on Stags Ridge are the same clones, grown at the same elevation, under identical weather conditions. The only difference is the soil, and the result is two wines that offer a vivid contrast in flavor and character.
For Allocation Members Only
The rare wines of Seven Apart—Basalt and Shale—are exclusively available to our Allocation List members. Joining this exclusive list begins with your Seven Apart Expedition Wine: a blend crafted to take you on your first journey into the heart of Seven Apart. This is the gateway to experiencing the bold contrasts of our mountain-grown Cabernets and the unique terroir of Stags Ridge.
Start Your Expedition
At Seven Apart, wine is more than a drink—it’s a connection to the land, a story that spans millennia, and a reflection of the precision and care that define every bottle we create. By joining our Allocation List, you become part of this journey, gaining access to limited wines that embody the rugged beauty of Napa’s peaks.
Begin your expedition today and discover what makes Seven Apart’s wines so singular. From the volcanic power of basalt to the layered subtleties of shale, each glass offers a profound exploration of the land.