EXHIBIT 5.1

August 21, 2003




Chalone Wine Group, Ltd.
621 Airpark Road
Napa, CA  94558-6272

         Re:      EMPLOYEE STOCK PURCHASE PLAN (THE "PLAN")

Ladies and Gentlemen:

         You have requested our opinion with respect to certain matters in
connection with the filing by The Chalone Wine Group, Ltd. (the "Company") of a
Registration Statement on Form S-8 (the "Registration Statement") with the
Securities and Exchange Commission covering the offering of 50,000 shares of the
Company's Common Stock (the "Shares"), issuable under the Company's 2003
Employee Stock Purchase Plan (the "Plan"). In connection with this opinion, we
have examined the Registration Statement, your Articles of Incorporation, as
amended, and Bylaws, as amended, and such other documents, records,
certificates, memoranda and other instruments as we deem necessary as a basis
for this opinion. We have assumed the genuineness and authenticity of all
documents submitted to us as originals, the conformity to originals of all
documents submitted to us as copies thereof, and the due execution and delivery
of all documents where due execution and delivery are a prerequisite to the
effectiveness thereof. On the basis of the foregoing, and in reliance thereon,
we are of the opinion that the Shares, when sold and issued in accordance with
the Registration Statement and the Plan, will be validly issues, full paid and
nonassessable.

         We consent to the filing of this opinion as an exhibit to the
Registration Statement.

                              Very truly yours,

                              /s/ FARELLA BRAUN + MARTEL LLP



                              FARELLA BRAUN + MARTEL LLP