St. Helena · Napa Valley
Visit Denali Estate with a Private Chauffeur
An Alaska-inspired Cabernet estate on the eastern hillside above St. Helena, made by Jean Hoefliger. Denali Estate does not host public visits; here is what to know, and a day at sought-after estates nearby that do host.
Book a Six-Hour Wine Tour
About the Winery
Katherine and Walt Schlotfeldt sold their lifelong business, "happily flunked retirement," and went looking for a home with a vineyard. Friends in the wine business led them to a property on Napa Valley's eastern mountainside with a view and 11.5 acres of Cabernet Sauvignon, and they founded Denali Estate in 2012. The name honors their home state of Alaska.
At first they sold grapes to high-end wineries; the first Denali Estate Cabernet Sauvignon was the 2016. The vineyard has eight blocks on weathered volcanic soils, the oldest vines from 1993, and nearly all of it has been replanted. Winemaker Jean Hoefliger and viticulturist Jim Barbour, who has farmed Napa vineyards for more than 40 years, lead the team. Katherine's Cuvée Champagnes, made with a grower in Vaudemange, joined in 2019.
The wines are sold through Denali's member program. The Summit level, capped at 50 members, includes Elevation 20,310, a Cabernet from just two barrels, a members-only dinner and passes to the harvest party. Denali has no tasting room and publishes no public tours or tastings, so it does not receive visitors beyond its member events. The day below visits three estates nearby that do host.
Tasting Fees
Denali Estate does not offer tastings.
Tasting fees as of September 2026. Wineries set and collect their own fees, and they change from time to time.
At a Glance
Location
St. Helena
AVA
St. Helena
Visiting
Denali Estate has no tasting room and offers no public tours or tastings; members are invited to estate events such as the annual harvest party.
Known For
Estate Cabernet Sauvignon by Jean Hoefliger from an eastern-hills vineyard, plus Katherine's Cuvée Champagne
Founded
2012 (first Cabernet vintage 2016)
Good to Know
Join the member list on denaliestate.com or email info@denaliestate.com to ask about membership. The Summit membership is limited to 50 members.
A Suggested Six-Hour Day
Pickup at 9:55 a.m. from a nearby hotel such as Meadowood or Harvest Inn.
9:55 · Pickup at Meadowood or Harvest Inn
Since Denali Estate does not host visitors, this day takes you to three sought-after estates nearby that do. Meadowood is about 20 minutes from Howell Mountain, so we start at 9:55 to reach Retro Cellars for 10:15. The day runs about seven hours, and extra time can be added by the hour.
10:15 · Retro Cellars
About 20 minutes away, up Howell Mountain. Mike and Kara Dunn's small-lot Rhone wines, poured on a vineyard and cave visit at Dunn Vineyards on Howell Mountain, with Dunn's Cabernets in the lineup. $125 per person; we plan about 90 minutes. Weekdays only, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., by reservation.
12:10 · Davies Vineyards
About 20 minutes away. The Davies family's red wine house on Grayson Avenue in St. Helena, the still-wine side of Schramsberg, with seated tastings of J. Davies Cabernet and Davies Pinot Noir alongside Schramsberg sparkling wine. Tastings are $70 to $95, about 60 to 75 minutes. By appointment; 21 and over.
1:45 · Lunch at Auberge du Soleil
About 15 minutes away. Lunch high on Rutherford Hill with the whole valley below. The Bar serves all day from 11:30 a.m., and The Restaurant on the terrace offers a two- or three-course prix fixe lunch. Prefer a picnic? We can arrange a catered picnic at a winery that allows one; the cost is quoted when you book.
3:05 · OVID Napa Valley
About 20 minutes away, up Pritchard Hill. An organically farmed estate atop Pritchard Hill with a Howard Backen winery and porch views. The OVID Napa Valley Experience, a private 90-minute look at the vineyard, winery, cellar and wines, is $200 to $300; the Estate Vineyard 4x4 Tour & Tasting is $200 for 1 to 3 guests. Prepaid on Tock.
4:35 · Back to your hotel
Back in St. Helena by about 5:00 p.m.
About $395 to $520 per person in tasting fees for the three wineries, paid directly to each winery.
Retro Cellars hosts on weekdays only, so this is a Monday to Friday day. With two mountain stops it runs about seven hours.
Every tour is custom. This day is a starting point: your chauffeur will shape it around what matters to you, and we plan multi-day tours for guests who want to see more of wine country.
Your Vehicle & Six-Hour Tour Rates
Up to 6 guests
Elite Luxury SUV
Lincoln Navigator or Cadillac Escalade
From $750
Six-hour wine tour, plus 20% gratuity. Additional hours $125 each.
Up to 9 guests
Jet Sprinter or Executive Luxury Van
Captain's chairs and room to spread out
From $1,350
Six-hour wine tour, plus 20% gratuity. Additional hours $225 each.
Larger groups travel in more than one vehicle, and we plan the winery appointments around your group, since many wineries limit groups to 6 to 8 guests. Tasting fees are separate and paid directly to each winery. Every tour starts with six hours; add time by the hour when you book.
Questions
Can you visit Denali Estate?
No. Denali Estate has no tasting room and offers no public tours or tastings, as of September 2026; members are invited to estate events. We can plan a day at nearby estates that do host.
How can I buy Denali Estate wine?
Through the member program. Contact the winery or join the member list on denaliestate.com.
Who owns Denali Estate?
Katherine and Walt Schlotfeldt, who founded it in 2012.
Where is Denali Estate?
On the eastern hillside of Napa Valley above St. Helena. The winery lists a St. Helena post office box.
Who makes Denali Estate wine?
Jean Hoefliger is the winemaker and Jim Barbour the viticulturist. The Champagnes are made with Earl Francart Philippe in Vaudemange.
How does booking a tour with Bien Chauffeured work?
Reserve a six-hour tour online, even if your plans are still taking shape. Your chauffeur will email you first to learn what matters to you, then build your itinerary and make the winery appointments. Extra hours can be added.
Reserve Your Tour Now, Plan the Details Later
Your plans don't need to be final to book. Reserve your six-hour tour online, and your chauffeur will email you first to learn what matters to you, then build your itinerary and make the winery appointments. Prefer to talk? Call our concierge at 888-291-2328.
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