About Us
How we got here
The birth of Ehlers Estate
Our Founders
Jean and Sylviane Leducq
Born and raised in Paris, Jean Leducq spent his life surrounded by an appreciation for food & wine and an even greater appreciation for entrepreneurship.
Together, with his wife Sylviane, who shared his entrepreneurial spirit and love of wine, they built a successful international business around the supply and care of linens and uniforms. This business would ultimately bring them to the United States, where they could finally embark on their dream – starting a winery.
It took two attempts before they found what they had been looking for – a small plot of vineyard land in the heart of Napa Valley, complete with an original stone winery that had been built by the property’s original owners, Bernard and Anna Ehlers.
The Leducqs’ vision proved to be at the heart of their success: they expanded the vineyard, brought in their favorite Bordeaux-inspired varietals, and laid the foundation for a legacy that would continue to live on long after both of them passed. Today, Ehlers Estate remains loyal to the Leducq family legacy: the unwavering pursuit of excellence, a commitment to making a positive impact on the world, and intentional long-term sustainability.
Bernard Ehlers and Anna Stolls’ legacy lives on at Ehlers Estate, not just in name, but also in the original stone building that the pair used as their winery, built by Bernard himself.
When Jean and Sylviane Leducq set out to transform Ehlers Estate into what it is today, they knew that the Ehlers’ original stone winery should stay. As construction began on a new, modern winery, they set to work preserving Bernard Ehlers’ original structure, turning it into a charming tasting room that is still present today.
After Jean’s passing in 2002, Sylviane kept their legacy alive. With warmth, grace, and a special knack for hospitality, Sylviane inspired the entire team at Ehlers Estate, further solidifying the strong values that we continue to uphold today.
To this day, the Leducqs’ values continue to guide decision making at Ehlers Estate. Currently owned by the Leducq Charitable Trust, Ehlers Estate is proud to be tied to such a strong organization and honored to carry the Leducq legacy forward.
