Cyril Chappellet, CEO and Chairman of the Board
Raised on Pritchard Hill from the age of ten, Cyril Chappellet has spent a lifetime watching Napa Valley evolve into a world-renowned wine region—and helping to shape that legacy himself. The eldest son of Chappellet founders Donn and Molly Chappellet, Cyril returned to the family winery in 1988 after building a career in corporate planning and acquisitions. Since studying farm management at Cal Poly and a completing his business education at Pepperdine University, he brought a strategic vision to the mountain estate his family planted decades earlier.
Over the years, Cyril has held nearly every role at Chappellet—from managing director to national sales lead—ultimately becoming CEO and Chairman of the Board in 2012. Under his leadership, Pritchard Hill has become synonymous with exceptional, mountain-grown Cabernet Sauvignon, and Chappellet remains one of Napa’s most enduring family-run wineries. Whether stewarding the business or lending a hand in the vineyard, Cyril’s connection to the land runs deep. He and his wife, Blakesley, still call Pritchard Hill home, where he finds joy in horseback riding, woodworking, and preserving the spirit of a true family enterprise.
Blakesley Chappellet
Blakesley Chappellet is a storyteller of wine country life—through food, wine, and a deep appreciation for hospitality. As the author of Napa Valley Entertaining, she captures the spirit of wine country living with 68 seasonal recipes and stories from local chefs, farmers, and vintners. Her passion for bringing people together around the table is at the heart of her work, from hosting guests on Pritchard Hill to celebrating Napa’s unique blend of rustic elegance and culinary excellence.
Before immersing herself in the world of wine, Blakesley spent over 30 years in branding and marketing, including as a senior vice president at Bank of America. She later brought her expertise to the nonprofit world, including assisting in the formation of GuildSomm.com—an educational resource for sommeliers. Today, Blakesley continues to fuse her professional background with her love for the land, wine, and shared experiences.
She lives at Chappellet Vineyard with her husband, Cyril, where she can often be found planning gatherings, exploring new pairings, or riding through the vineyard with their two Quarter Horses and Labradors.
