Winery Information
Winery Information for: Checkerboard Vineyards
Winery Founded: 1/1/1999
Winery Founded by: Dennis O’Neil and Steph (Stephen) Martin
Winery Current Owner: Dennis O’Neil and Steph (Stephen) Martin
Winery Description: Checkerboard Vineyards is a small-production, estate-owned winery perched on the southeast slopes of Diamond Mountain in Napa Valley. Launched by Dennis O’Neil and Steph Martin around 1999, the winery released its first vintage in 2006 and remains wholly owned by the founders. The property spans about 300 acres—though fewer than 15 acres are planted—with four distinct vineyard sites ranging from 600 to 2,000 feet in elevation. Under the precise direction of winemaker Martha McClellan, grapes are hand-picked in micro-lots at dawn, sorted berry by berry, and vinified in small Taransaud French-oak tanks. The estate includes a 20,000 sq-ft cave and onsite lab, allowing meticulous control from vineyard to bottle. Production sits around 700–1,500 cases annually, available largely via mailing list, with Cabernet Sauvignon, Sauvignon Blanc, and limited blends that reflect the rugged volcanic terroir and high-altitude microclimates.
Winery Web site URL: http://www.checkerboardvineyards.com/
Winery Mailing List URL: http://www.checkerboardvineyards.com/index.cfm?method=msignup.signup
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Last updated information for this winery on: 7/14/2025
Checkerboard Vineyards wine releases
2025 Wine Releases
- January 2025;
- February 2025;
- March 2025;
- April 2025;
- May 2025;
- June 2025; 2021 Napa Valley Diamond Mountain District Aurora Vineyard Kings Row Cabernet Blend, 2021 Napa Valley Diamond Mountain District Aurora Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon
- July 2025;
- August 2025;
- September 2025;
- October 2025;
- November 2025;
- December 2025;
2024 Wine Releases
2023 Wine Releases
2022 Wine Releases
2021 Wine Releases
2020 Wine Releases
2019 Wine Releases
2018 Wine Releases
2017 Wine Releases
2016 Wine Releases
2015 Wine Releases
- January 2015;
- February 2015;
- March 2015;
- April 2015;
- May 2015;
- June 2015;
- July 2015;
- August 2015; 2011 Kings Row Cabernet Sauvignon/Petit Verdot/Merlot ($125)
- September 2015;
- October 2015;
- November 2015;
- December 2015;
2014 Wine Releases
2013 Wine Releases
2012 Wine Releases
2011 Wine Releases
- January 2011;
- February 2011;
- March 2011; 2007 Napa Valley Red Wine ($175)
- April 2011;
- May 2011;
- June 2011;
- July 2011;
- August 2011;
- September 2011;
- October 2011; 2007 Napa Valley Kings Row Red Wine ($285)
- November 2011;
- December 2011;
2010 Wine Releases
2009 Wine Releases
2008 Wine Releases
2007 Wine Releases
2006 Wine Releases
2005 Wine Releases
2004 Wine Releases
2003 Wine Releases
2002 Wine Releases
2001 Wine Releases
2000 Wine Releases
FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
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