Cyril Chappellet –
Owner & Managing Director
Moving to Pritchard Hill when he was 10 years old, Cyril Chappellet's course in life was influenced by the romance of the vineyards and the emergence of Napa Valley's world-renowned wine industry. The eldest son of Molly and Donn Chappellet, Cyril grew up steeped in the culture of wine, working in the vineyards and helping out in the winery. After a youth spent living on Pritchard Hill, Donn and Molly encouraged Cyril to make his own career choices and to explore life away from the family winery.
After studying farm management at Cal Poly and completing his business education at Pepperdine University, Cyril began his career in corporate planning and acquisitions, working on the East Coast for an oil and insurance company. In 1988, after spending nearly a decade honing his business skills in the corporate world, Cyril returned to Pritchard Hill, excited by the challenges facing Chappellet in an ever-changing wine industry. “It was an opportunity,” says Cyril, “to help keep the winery family owned. The finest wineries around the world reflect a commitment that goes beyond one generation. At Chappellet, that ongoing commitment has been key to our continued ability to make extraordinary wines.” Making his home on Pritchard Hill, Cyril began working with Donn and Molly to build on Chappellet’s legacy of excellence.
Cyril focuses his efforts both inwards and outwards. In an industry that has seen many of the great family-owned wineries sold over the years, Cyril works closely with his parents and siblings to ensure the continued health and longevity of Chappellet as a family-owned business.
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He is also a passionate representative of Chappellet throughout the United States and beyond, building awareness of Chappellet as one of the world’s premier hillside wineries. Whether interacting with distributors, sommeliers, or wine lovers visiting Pritchard Hill, Cyril’s personal approach to sales and marketing consistently results in loyal, long-term relationships.
In addition to his defined responsibilities overseeing the sales and marketing team, Cyril’s intimate connection with the property often finds him lending a skilled hand wherever needed. Whether building a horse corral, driving a forklift in the winery, or barbecuing for guests, Cyril enjoys being hands-on. "Doing whatever it takes is the nature of a family business," says Cyril. “It is also part of the charm.”
Cyril is a current board member of the Napa Valley Vintners Association, and is actively involved with the Wine Service Co-Op. An avid horseman, Cyril is a member of the Charlie Russell Riders and Los Rancheros Visitadores. He lives with his wife, Blakesley and their quarter horses, Dragon, Patron and Rico on Pritchard Hill.
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