Remembering Carl Doumani: A Legacy Beyond the Vine – Former Owner of Stags’ Leap Winery and Quixote Passes Away at 92

Carl Doumani, a dynamic figure in the Napa Valley wine scene and former leader of both Stags’ Leap Winery and Quixote Winery, passed away on April 22 at the age of 92, after battling Alzheimer’s disease. Doumani, known for his unconventional approach, significantly influenced the wine industry while forging his own unique path.

Born in 1932 in Los Angeles, Doumani ventured into several businesses before settling in the wine sector. After dropping out of UCLA to manage a campus bar, he turned his focus to crafting a legacy in Napa Valley. In 1970, he and his wife Joanne purchased a 400-acre property called Stags’ Leap, originally intending to establish an inn. However, zoning laws prevented that plan, leading the family to reside in the property, which had been neglected for years.

Doumani was undeterred by the vineyard’s conditions, which sported older varietals like Petite Sirah and Chenin Blanc. Lacking the funds to replant, he opted to make wine from these existing vines instead of following the industry trend toward Cabernet Sauvignon. Over the next nine years, while working at The Tropicana Hotel in Las Vegas to finance renovations, he gradually restored the estate.

His journey led to a significant legal confrontation against Warren Winiarski of Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars regarding the usage of the name "Stags Leap." This ongoing dispute culminated in a ruling that allowed both wineries to coexist with their variations of the name.

In 1995, Doumani diversified his interests by launching a mezcal brand named Encantado, further reflecting his entrepreneurial spirit by exploring less commercialized sectors within the beverage landscape.

Eventually, he sold Stags’ Leap Winery to Beringer Wine Estates in 1997 but retained a portion of the property to establish Quixote Winery. Here, he collaborated with Austrian artist Friedensreich Hundertwasser to create a distinctive architectural structure, making Quixote a visual gem in Napa.

Doumani focused on innovative practices in winemaking and was known for advocating screw caps for closure. He later sold Quixote in 2014 while continuing to lead several projects until his retirement in 2018.

He is survived by three of his four children—Lissa, Kayne, and Jared—as well as two brothers and grandchildren. Doumani leaves behind a legacy as a passionate partner in the world of wine, bravely pursuing his vision amid changing industry tides.

For more information about his vineyards and contributions to the wine world, visit Stags’ Leap Winery and Quixote Winery.

About the Author: Chris Lehoux

Meet Chris Lehoux, an experienced wine connoisseur and dedicated blogger with a deep passion for all things wine-related. With years of expertise in the industry, Chris shares insightful wine reviews, valuable wine tasting tips, expert pairing advice, and captivating tales of vineyard visits. Join Chris on a journey through the world of wine, where every sip is an adventure waiting to be savored!