Napa Valley, CA, June 25, 2024 – VGS Chateau Potelle, one of Napa Valley’s most illustrious wineries, proudly honored its 40th anniversary with a grand four-day celebration from June 20-23, 2024, marking four decades of exceptional winemaking and a legacy of excellence. Led by original founder Jean-Noel Fourmeaux for all 40 years, VGS Chateau Potelle stands as a rare gem in the Napa Valley, embodying the essence of continuity and dedication.
The four days of festivities, a day for each decade, featured a variety of exclusive events that highlighted the winery’s rich history and innovative spirit. Each event offered attendees a unique opportunity to experience the essence of VGS Chateau Potelle and its enduring commitment to quality and tradition. Highlights included:
- VGS Story Teller’s Dinner: Celebrated the VGS friends who made this adventure possible! Chef Ken Frank of the famed La Toque restaurant created a spectacular menu paired with special library vintages of VGS as attendees enjoyed an evening of sharing their personal VGS tales.
- Winemaking Bootcamp Mt. Veeder vs. Oakville: An immersive experience where attendees learned the art and science of winemaking featuring two of Napa Valley’s most prestigious appellations and guided by the VGS winemaking team and John Derr, one of the most respected viticulturists in Napa Valley.
- Bordeaux Masterclasses: Exclusive sessions exploring the intricacies of two of Bordeaux’s most famed châteaus: Angelus and Beychevelle. Visiting from France and leading the Château Angelus masterclass was owner Hubert de Boüard. For Château Beychevelle, the masterclass was led by Managing Director Philippe Blanc.
- Gala Dinner: A grand finale featured an evening of Napa’s casual elegance, brimming with exquisite wines, elite international wine industry experts, delectable California cuisine, and of course a ton of fun! Guests reminisced in every decade as they sampled vintages from throughout VGS’s 40-year history.
Said Fourmeaux, “I am deeply humbled and incredibly proud as we celebrate the 40th anniversary of VGS Chateau Potelle. Our journey has been one of passion, dedication, and a relentless pursuit to produce wines of style and character that are representative of their birthplace. It is an honor to have our wines recognized and cherished by so many, yet we still remain one of Napa Valley’s best kept secrets! This milestone is a testament to the hard work of our team and the unwavering support of our loyal customers.”
As VGS Chateau Potelle looks forward to the future, it remains dedicated to producing wines of unparalleled quality and maintaining the legacy that has made it a cornerstone of Napa Valley winemaking.
Jean-Noel Fourmeaux (fourth from the right) with his VGS Chateau Potelle team at the 40th Anniversary Gala Dinner.
About VGS Chateau Potelle
Originally hailing from Bordeaux, France, VGS Chateau Potelle’s founder, Jean-Noel Fourmeaux, embarked on a journey to Napa Valley in 1980. Initially sent as a “wine spy” by the French government, Jean-Noel was captivated by the region’s exuberance and the generosity of its fruit. He famously sent a telegram back home simply stating, “Looks good, I stay.” This pivotal decision led to the purchase of the original Chateau Potelle property high atop Mt. Veeder in 1983, where the winery’s first vintage was produced, marking the beginning of a remarkable journey.
Over the years, VGS Chateau Potelle has achieved numerous milestones that have shaped its history as well as graced prestigious occasions including being poured at the inauguration of President George H.W. Bush. Furthermore, VGS Chateau Potelle holds the distinction of being the only winery in Napa Valley history to achieve the highest bid at Auction Napa Valley for three consecutive years, with its renowned Fourmeaux Red captivating wine enthusiasts worldwide.
For more information, please visit www.vgschateaupotelle.com.
