One of Napa Valley’s most revered wineries has been sued by a longtime housekeeper for alleged wrongful termination and discrimination.
According to the lawsuit, filed in September in Napa County Superior Court, Ana Maria Chavez Jimenez was fired after nearly 30 years of employment at Chappellet after suffering work-related injuries. Jimenez is seeking more than $35,000 in damages.
A noted pioneer of mountain winegrowing and Napa Valley’s prestigious Pritchard Hill region, overlooking Lake Hennessey, Chappellet is a family-owned winery founded in 1967. In a statement, Chappellet president David Francke said, “We are aware of the lawsuit and strongly disagree with the allegations,” but he declined to comment on specific claims. “The company is deeply committed to maintaining a lawful, professional and respectful workplace, and we look forward to addressing this matter through the legal process.” In an answer to the lawsuit, filed in October, the winery denied “each and every allegation” in the complaint…