Phelan Ranch: A Legacy of Resilience and Excellence
February 5, 2024
Situated atop Greeg Mountain in the renowned wine region of St. Helena, Phelan Ranch is a testament to the enduring spirit of winemaking. With its breathtaking views overlooking Lake Hennessey, this ranch and vineyard has etched its mark on the history of California and the Napa Valley. The ranch is currently owned by Jeff and Elizabeth Phelan and has a rich legacy dating back to its Homestead origins in 1892.
A Historic Homestead
Phelan Ranch has its roots in a Homestead granted in 1892 by President Benjamin Harrison to Joseph Hager, an immigrant from Germany. With its sweeping vistas and fertile soil, this picturesque land was entrusted to the Catholic Church in 1918, specifically to Saint Joseph’s Home and Hospital associated with St. Joseph’s Agricultural Institute in Rutherford.
The Stalwart Woman of Phelan Ranch
In 1921, the Catholic Church sold the ranch to Emma Pampell, a single woman who had worked in a San Francisco tobacco packing house. Emma's mother hailed from the pioneering Roney family of Napa. Despite the odds stacked against her, Emma Pampell took the reins of what is today, Phelan Ranch, demonstrating remarkable determination. Tragically, Emma passed away in 1929, but her legacy lived on. The ranch was inherited by her sister, Mary Loomis, who had her own indomitable spirit. Mary owned and managed Phelan Ranch from 1931 to 1955, leaving an indelible mark on the property.
Phelan Ranch Today
Phelan Ranch spans 163 acres and boasts 21 planted blocks, primarily cultivating cabernet sauvignon and franc grapes. All these blocks, including Jefe and Elizabeth, grapes' are harvested by renowned winemaker Russell Bevan, whose dedication to the craft of winemaking has garnered international acclaim.
Phelan Ranch embodies a legacy of resilience, determination, and excellence. Its long history of attracting strong women, from Emma Pampell to Mary Loomis to Elizabeth Phelan, stands as a testament to the tenacity and vision required to thrive in the world of winemaking. As Phelan Ranch continues to produce exceptional grapes and contribute to the legacy of California winemaking, it remains a symbol of the enduring spirit that has defined this remarkable land for over a century.