Monticello Vineyards was founded in 1969 when Jay Corley acquired vineyards in the Oak Knoll district of Napa Valley. For about a decade he grew grapes which he sold to other winemakers, but in 1980 he started making wine, producing a Chardonnay and a Cabernet Sauvignon. Today the estate is run by Corley’s sons, Kevin, Chris and Stephen, and the enterprise includes about 100 acres of estate vineyards in Oak Knoll, Yountville, Rutherford and St. Helena. Chris Corley is the winemaker. Monticello produces numerous wines, including Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Merlot, Pinot Noir, Cabernet Franc, Chardonnay and sparkling wine. The estate is named in tribute to Thomas Jefferson, a wine connoisseur, and his Virginia estate, where he grew grapes for winemaking.