Titus Vineyards
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Country of Origin: USA
Location: St. Helena
People: Eric & Phillip Titus, Owners | Eric Titus, Vineyard Manager | Stephen Cruzan, Winemaker
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Titus Vineyards, located along the Napa River in St. Helena, has been home to grapevines since the 1880s. Originally part of Carolina Bale’s dowry upon her marriage to Charles Krug in 1860, the land has played a significant role in Napa’s agricultural heritage for over a century. In 1968, Lee and Ruth Titus purchased the property, laying the foundation for their family legacy. More than 50 years later, Titus Vineyards continues to produce wines that reflect the integrity of the land and the passion of the Titus family.
Lee Titus, a World War II Navy veteran and doctor of radiology, discovered his affinity for wine and viticulture while living in Sonoma, where he and Ruth raised their four sons. California’s thriving wine industry in the 1960s inspired the couple to invest in their own vineyard. Initially planted with varieties such as Zinfandel, Carignane, Chasselas, and Concord, the vineyard underwent a major transformation in the 1970s when Lee began replanting it with Bordeaux varieties. This visionary move laid the foundation for the future success of Titus Vineyards. During the 1970s and 1980s, the family’s grapes were sold to prestigious wineries including Beaulieu Vineyards (BV), Cuvaison, and Charles Krug.
By 1990, encouraged by their sons, the Titus family produced their first bottling under the Titus label—600 cases of Cabernet Sauvignon. This marked a pivotal moment in the family’s history—their official entry into winemaking. While Lee was a farmer at heart, he entrusted his sons Phillip and Eric Titus to carry forward the family’s vision. Today, Eric manages the vineyards while Phillip oversees the winemaking, with both brothers continuing the legacy of producing estate wines of exceptional quality.
At Titus Vineyards, quality over quantity is the guiding principle. The winery produces just 15,000 cases annually from their 50 acres of vines. Nearly all vineyard work, from pruning and thinning to weed removal and harvesting, is done by hand. This labor-intensive approach allows the family to closely monitor every vine, ensuring optimal fruit quality while embracing low-intensity, sustainable farming practices.
Sustainability and ecological stewardship are central to the Titus philosophy. They utilize cover crops such as clover, grasses, and sweet pea to enrich soil health, apply compost annually, and never use biocides for weed or pest control. A 30-foot riparian buffer along the riverbank promotes soil stability and protects the local ecosystem. Additionally, Titus Vineyards is Certified Fish Friendly, underscoring their commitment to environmental balance. Solar panels have also been installed to enhance their sustainability efforts. These practices not only ensure that Titus wines reflect the true character of the terroir but also help safeguard the land for future generations.