The weather is warm, California has reopened, and we think you’re ready to see us! If you have a craving for a wine-tasting adventure, now is the perfect time to satiate your hunger for the good stuff, especially by visiting the wonderful wineries of the Spring Mountain district.
Spring Mountain wineries offer a luxurious and high-end experience 2000 ft above the valley floor. Stunning scenes and gorgeous kingly cabernets (plus some delightful whites) await this special mountainside location. Once you go up Spring Mountain, you may never want to come down!
Fantesca Estate Winery
Explore a luxurious Napa Valley experience through a private winery tour and tasting with Fantesca. Fantesca was founded by Susan and Duane Hoff in 2004 when they purchased a 53-acre parcel of land with 10 acres of vineyards planted to Cabernet Sauvignon and Petit Verdot. Fully appreciating the land’s connection with strong women, they chose the name Fantesca after the saucy and brave female character in the popular sixteenth-century Italian theatrical performances of commedia dell’arte. Upon arrival, guests are greeted by an estate host welcoming you to the stunning Spring Mountain views and ready to pour you world-class wines crafted by Heidi Barrett and Tony Arcudi.
Fantesca cave legend has it that their cave, carved from a Spring Mountain hillside, was originally an abandoned silver mine. The consistent temperature and humidity of Fantesca’s cave creates an ideal environment for aging wines. Suffice to say, their cave tours are a can’t miss!
Fantesca’s mission is to create flavourful, delicious wines at the highest level. As owner Duane Hoff says, “Upon leaving, I want every visitor to have a sense of place, a sense of the beauty of the wines and a sense of the people who made the wines.” The unparalleled hospitality and scenery of Fantesca’s historical Cabernet vineyard will be sure to also leave you with a want to return to their magical location!
Pride Mountain Vineyards
Buttressed on the rolling crest of the Mayacamas Mountains, Pride Mountain Vineyards stands tall above the valley floor. It is immediately clear why the winery estate was previously named “Summit Ranch.”
The winding twenty-minute drive west from St. Helena is accompanied by stunning views of rugged Mount St. Helena to the northeast and verdant vineyards hugging the roadside. The grapevines benefit from desirable south-facing exposures and experience warm mornings and cool afternoons, all of which allow the vines to be physiologically active from morning to night throughout the entirety of the growing season. This environment results in boldly structured wines with concentrated flavors that you will not find anywhere else in the world.
Pride Mountain Vineyards is a 235-acre estate with a wooden-beamed, modest-sized winery that blends smoothly into its mountainous surroundings and California heritage. The charming and unpretentious tasting room offers guests the opportunity to sample the latest vintages while chatting with the gracious and knowledgeable staff!
Barnett Vineyards
Imagine yourself sitting down to a sensory experience of more than 2 hours, with the Spring Mountain hillside as a visual delight: vines, hummingbirds, hawks, and five wine bottles atop your table. This is Barnett Vineyards. Where your taste buds will be enlivened as each of the wines gives a new profile for the nose and palate.
Though dedicated to remaining an exceptional family-owned winery, they have nurtured the estate with passion and patience. Barnett has grown to produce approximately 6,000 cases of handcrafted wines per year -specializing in rich, elegant estate Cabernet Sauvignons from Rattlesnake Hill and the unique Spring Mountain District.
Whether you choose one or three, you’ll work up an appetite, and perhaps you’ll have a couple of bottles from your travels to bring to dinner? After a decadent day of the best wines, it’s only fitting you have evening reservations that match your afternoon experience!
The Charter Oak
The Charter Oak is a restaurant in the heart of the Napa Valley by Chef Christopher Kostow of the Michelin three-starred The Restaurant at Meadowood. Centered on a celebratory, family-style dining experience with simple, approachable, and seasonal food. An evening in their courtyard and Chef’s current menu would be the perfect chicly rustic accompaniment to a Spring Mountain wine.
Press Napa Valley
Perhaps you’re feeling a gorgeous steak menu, but make it St. Helena style. PRESS Napa Valley puts wine country on a pedestal — the people, the ingredients, and the wines. Not only do they have a wonderful steak program but you’ll be able to dig into fresh seafood and just plucked from the garden sides. For 15 years, PRESS has been a place for locals, winemakers, vintners, and guests from around the world to experience the best the Napa Valley has to offer. This will be the place to pull out the superstar Spring Mountain Cabernet. Their on-site sommelier will know just how to treat it (and pair it)!
No matter the season, a visit to Spring Mountain will be a beautifully memorable one. Don’t wait; begin your travel planning to our neck of the woods today!