About Caymus Vineyards and the Wagner Family
Caymus is the wine that defined modern Napa Cabernet. Founded in 1972 by Charlie Wagner Sr., his wife Lorna, and their son Chuck Wagner in Rutherford, Napa Valley, Caymus is the only winery in the world to win Wine Spectator's Wine of the Year twice. More than 50 years in, the winery is still family-owned and operated.
Today the Wagner family runs one of the most diverse premium wine portfolios in California. Chuck Wagner leads Caymus alongside his children Charlie Wagner Jr. and Jenny Wagner, whose own projects carry the family legacy forward. Charlie Jr. is behind Sea Sun and Mer Soleil, Jenny runs Emmolo, and the broader portfolio also includes Bonanza, Red Schooner Malbec, and the newer Caymus-Suisun project.
Why Caymus Makes a Great Gift
A personalized bottle of Caymus or any Wagner family wine turns one of California's most respected names into a one-of-a-kind keepsake. For weddings, anniversaries, milestone birthdays, executive thank-yous, or retirement, a custom Caymus bottle delivers Napa heritage with a personal touch. Pair with a custom engraved wood box for an exceptional presentation.
The Wines
Caymus & Wagner Family Reds
- Caymus Vineyards Napa Cabernet Sauvignon. The flagship. Bold, ripe Napa Cab from Rutherford with notes of cocoa, cassis, and dark berries.
- Caymus Special Selection Cabernet Sauvignon. The collector's tier. Produced only in vintages that meet the Wagner family standard. A two-time Wine Spectator Wine of the Year.
- Caymus Vineyards California Cabernet Sauvignon. A broader-sourced expression of the Caymus style, more accessibly priced than the Napa.
- The Walking Fool Red Blend by Caymus-Suisun. A Zinfandel and Petite Sirah blend from the family's Suisun Valley project. Distinctive and approachable.
- Bonanza Cabernet Sauvignon by Caymus. The Wagner family's California Cab for everyday celebration. Silky and fruit-forward.
Wines by Charlie Wagner Jr.
- Sea Sun Chardonnay. Cool-climate Monterey County Chardonnay. Coastal, crisp, and elegant.
- Sea Sun Pinot Noir. California Pinot Noir with notes of cherry, vanilla, and spice.
- Mer Soleil Chardonnay. Premium Santa Lucia Highlands Chardonnay. The serious Chardonnay drinker's gift.
Wines by Jenny Wagner
- Emmolo Sauvignon Blanc. Napa Valley Sauvignon Blanc. Bright and crisp.
- Emmolo Merlot. Napa Valley Merlot. Silky with notes of berry and fig.
Beyond California
- Red Schooner Voyage 12 Malbec by Caymus. The Wagner family's Argentine project, blending Old World aging philosophy with Mendoza fruit.
Gift Sets & Large Format
- Caymus Family Winery Tasting Sets. Curated multi-bottle sets across the Wagner portfolio. Red and Red & White configurations available.
- Caymus Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 3L. Large format for the moments that deserve presentation.
- Caymus Custom Wood Box Combo. A personalized Caymus bottle paired with a custom engraved wood box for elevated gifting.
Caymus & Wagner Family FAQs
Who runs Caymus today? Caymus is run by Chuck Wagner, son of founder Charlie Wagner Sr., alongside his children Charlie Wagner Jr. and Jenny Wagner. Charlie Jr. is behind Sea Sun and Mer Soleil, and Jenny runs Emmolo. Three generations of Wagners now make wine under and alongside the Caymus name.
Where is Caymus made? Caymus is produced in Rutherford, Napa Valley. The Wagner family also operates in Suisun Valley and partners with vineyards in Monterey County (Sea Sun, Mer Soleil) and Mendoza, Argentina (Red Schooner).
What is Caymus Special Selection? Special Selection is the Caymus flagship vintage Cabernet, produced only in years that meet the Wagner family's exacting standard. It has won Wine Spectator's Wine of the Year twice, the only winery ever to do so.
Can I personalize a bottle of Caymus or Wagner family wine? Yes. Personal Wine offers custom labeling and laser engraving on every bottle in the Caymus and Wagner family portfolio. Designs can include names, dates, monograms, photos, logos, or full custom artwork.
Which Wagner family wine is best for a gift? Caymus Napa Valley Cabernet is the most popular choice across occasions. Special Selection is reserved for ultra-premium moments like milestone anniversaries and executive recognition. For lighter occasions, Sea Sun Chardonnay or Emmolo Sauvignon Blanc work well for hosts and summer celebrations.
Where does Personal Wine ship Caymus? Personal Wine ships personalized wine to most U.S. states. Some states have restrictions on direct-to-consumer wine shipments, and your eligibility is confirmed at checkout based on your ZIP code.
