About Caymus Vineyards and the Wagner Family
Caymus is the wine that put modern Napa Cabernet on the map. Charlie Wagner Sr. founded it in 1972 with his wife Lorna and their son Chuck in Rutherford, and it remains the only winery to win Wine Spectator's Wine of the Year twice. More than five decades later, it's still run by the same family.
Chuck Wagner now leads Caymus alongside his children, Charlie Wagner Jr. and Jenny Wagner, who've built their own labels within the family portfolio. Charlie Jr. makes Sea Sun and Mer Soleil, Jenny runs Emmolo, and the lineup also stretches to 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 bottle, a bold, ripe Napa Cab from Rutherford with notes of cocoa, cassis, and dark berries.
Caymus Special Selection Cabernet Sauvignon. The collector's tier, made only in vintages that meet the Wagner family's standard, and a two-time Wine Spectator Wine of the Year winner.
Caymus Vineyards California Cabernet Sauvignon. A broader-sourced expression of the Caymus style, more accessibly priced than the Napa version.
The Walking Fool Red Blend by Caymus-Suisun. A Zinfandel and Petite Sirah blend from the family's Suisun Valley project, distinctive and easy to enjoy.
Bonanza Cabernet Sauvignon by Caymus. The Wagner family's everyday celebration Cab, 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. A California Pinot Noir with notes of cherry, vanilla, and spice.
Mer Soleil Chardonnay. A premium Santa Lucia Highlands Chardonnay built for the serious Chardonnay drinker.
Wines by Jenny Wagner
Emmolo Sauvignon Blanc. A bright, crisp Napa Valley Sauvignon Blanc.
Emmolo Merlot. A silky Napa Valley Merlot 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 with Mendoza fruit.
Gift Sets & Large Format
Caymus Family Winery Tasting Sets. Curated multi-bottle sets across the Wagner portfolio, with Red and Red & White configurations available.
Caymus Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 3L. A large format option for moments that call for a bit of presentation.
Caymus Custom Wood Box Combo. Pairs a personalized Caymus bottle with a custom engraved wood box for elevated gifting.
Caymus & Wagner Family FAQs
Who runs Caymus today? Chuck Wagner, son of founder Charlie Wagner Sr., runs Caymus today alongside his children Charlie Wagner Jr. and Jenny Wagner. Charlie Jr. is behind Sea Sun and Mer Soleil, and Jenny runs Emmolo, so 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 for Sea Sun and Mer Soleil, and in Mendoza, Argentina for Red Schooner.
What is Caymus Special Selection? Special Selection is the Caymus flagship vintage Cabernet, made only in years that meet the Wagner family's exacting standard. It's won Wine Spectator's Wine of the Year twice, the only winery 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 lineup, with designs that 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 pick across occasions. Special Selection is reserved for ultra-premium moments like milestone anniversaries and executive recognition, while Sea Sun Chardonnay or Emmolo Sauvignon Blanc suit lighter occasions like hosting or summer celebrations.
Where does Personal Wine ship Caymus? Personal Wine ships personalized wine to most U.S. states. Some states restrict direct-to-consumer wine shipments, and eligibility is confirmed at checkout based on ZIP code.
