Corison Winery has been a Napa Valley mainstay since 1987, when Cathy Corison founded the winery on the St. Helena benchlands with her husband, William Martin. Over four decades, the pair has crafted powerful and elegant Cabernet Sauvignon from one of the region’s oldest vineyards, and their cuvees continue to evolve with each vintage. As one of the most price-friendly, premier Napa wineries, Corison wine is the perfect bottle for drinkers to add to their cellar and taste with family and friends.
Corison Winery: St. Helena Beginnings
After graduating from Pomona College with a biology degree, Cathy Corison was determined to break into the wine industry. The talented winemaker quickly received her MBA from UC Davis and began working at Chappellet Winery throughout the 1980s. Her stellar tenure opened new doors at Staglin Family Vineyards, Long Meadow Ranch, and numerous other Napa estates, before Corison decided to open her winery. In 1987, Cathy Corison and her husband, William Martin, formally established Corison Winery and began purchasing fruit from top Napa Valley vineyards.
Throughout Corison’s first 8 years, the pair crafted its blends with purchased fruit until William Martin stumbled upon a 10-acre parcel in St. Helena. The land was up for sale for almost a decade as the County of Napa denied the previous owner a use permit. Consequently, Martin and Corison inspected the bare land and were gleefully surprised to discover the St. George rootstock planted on Bale gravelly loam. In a swift move, the couple purchased the land, naming it Kronos Vineyard after the Greek mythological god, Kronos. As the son of heaven and earth, Cathy Corison thought the fable fittingly describes Corison wines.
Corison Kronos became the estate’s second label— an elegant and long-lasting Cabernet that was a fitting complement to the flagship wine. And, two decades later, Corison acquired its second vineyard, Sunbasket Vineyard. After farming the land alongside Shafer for nearly 15 years, the couple was eager to acquire the Andre Tchellistcheff-planted plot and create a new, single-vineyard label. Today, Corison Winery produces 8 labels and is led by Corison and Martin’s daughters, Rose and Grace.
Corison Cabernet Sauvignon: Classic Napa Cab
Corison's flagship Cabernet Sauvignon remains a staple amongst Napa Valley's offering, celebrated for its exceptional aging ability, fruit-forward notes, and elegant structure. The 100% Cabernet has been acclaimed by top critics, including Lisa Perrotti-Brown and Antonio Galloni. Each vintage is crafted with traditional and low-interventionist method, as the fruit is hand-harvested and organically farmed, then aged in French oak barrels for up to 20 months. Once bottled, the cuvee develops incredible secondary aging notes of cedar and hazelnut and is known to last in the cellar for up to two decades.
Similarly, Corison Kronos has become a favorite amongst Napa drinkers. A pure Cabernet Sauvignon, the Kronos is known for its cherry, blueberry, plum and cassis notes, as well as velvety tannins and firm acidity. The Kronos Vineyard experiences diurnal temperature shifts, with hot days and cold nights providing the ideal climate to ripen the fruit.
Corison Wine: Add A Bottle To Your Cellar Today
As one of Napa Valley's most defining producers over the past 40 years, Corison Wine is an excellent cellar addition for any wine enthusiast. Back-vintages are beautifully aged and ready to drink, while younger bottles can mature for decades. Discover your next Napa Cabernet today.
Who is the winemaker behind Corison?
Cathy Corison is the winemaker and founder at Corison Winery. She founded the winery in 1987 and is one of Napa Valley's top female winemakers.
Where is Corison Winery located?
Corison Winery is located in Napa Valley's St. Helena AVA. Furthermore, its two vineyards — Kronos and Sunbasket— are both situated in the AVA.
What is the signature wine from Corison?
Corison's signature wine is the flagship Cabernet Sauvignon, make its debut in the 1987 vintage. Its other celebrated offering, Corison Kronos, has gained similar praise from critics and drinkers.
What kind of wine is Corison?
Corison's main labels are 100% Cabernet Sauvignon. The winery also crafts Cabernet Franc, Gewürztraminer, Riesling, and Sauvignon Rose.
