HotelSt. Helena · Napa4.5 · 514
Alila Napa Valley
The heated pool at Alila Napa Valley faces west toward the Mayacamas range.
Kid Friendly*Wine EnthusiastsCouples Retreat
★★★★★< 1 mi
St. Helena · Napa Valley · St. Helena
Spring Mountain Vineyard
Three estates from the 1870s and 1880s planted Spring Mountain's first Cabernet Sauvignon.
4.8(178)
Known forCabernetChardonnayHistorical EstateMountain ViewsLibrary WinesFood Pairing
About Spring Mountain Vineyard
Spring Mountain Vineyard is a historic estate that combines a rich tapestry of winemaking heritage with breathtaking natural beauty. Established between 1872 and 1884, it features three original estates that pioneered viticulture on the mountain, including the first Cabernet Sauvignon vines. The vineyard spans 845 acres and is known for its dedication to producing exceptional wines, including a notable Chardonnay that ranked fourth in the Judgement of Paris.
Why Visit Spring Mountain Vineyard
The Judgment of Paris tasting focuses on what happened May 24, 1976, when a Spring Mountain Chardonnay placed fourth in the blind competition that put California wine on the world stage. The Founders experience pours Cabernet from vines Charles Lemme first planted more than 150 years ago, a direct link to mountain viticulture's beginnings.
- Charles Lemme planted the first Cabernet vines on the mountain
- Spring Mountain Chardonnay ranked fourth in the 1976 Judgment of Paris
- Three original estates from 1872–1884 form the current property
- Spring Mountain Explorers ($395) reaches 225+ acres by ranch vehicle
- Vista tasting ($85) includes access to the 19th-century olive grove
The Setting
The estate stretches across 845 acres of Spring Mountain, where nineteenth-century olive groves still stand among the vineyard blocks. Three original properties pioneered wine growing here between 1872 and 1884, and their structures remain part of what guests see during visits. The Spring Mountain Explorers appointment uses a ranch vehicle to reach vineyard elevations across more than 225 acres, terrain too steep for casual access.
The Tasting Experience
Vista appointments at $85 adapt to what you want to see, whether that's the old olive grove or time in the gardens. The $150 Founders session concentrates on Cabernet, the grape that's defined this site since Charles Lemme's original plantings. At $95, the Judgment of Paris tasting revisits the 1976 blind competition and pours wines that connect to that moment.
The Tasting
Tasting experiences.
Vista
$85Designed to give you a taste of Spring Mountain Vineyard, this bespoke experience is tailor-made to your interests. Whether you choose to explore our 19th century olive grove, walk through the botanical gardens, or spend time at our beautiful vista overlooking our famed terraced vineyard blocks, your designated Estate Ambassador will guide you through a memorable winery experience. Following the tour, you'll sip your way through a flight of our world class estate wines.
90 minReservation Required
Judgment of Paris
$95It was a day that would revolutionize the wine world. On May 24th, 1976, California established itself as a world-class wine region. In the famed blind tasting, which became known as the “Judgment of Paris,” American wines went head-to-head with some of France’s most elite houses. Spring Mountain Vineyard was one of seven Napa Valley wineries invited to participate, and its 1973 Chardonnay placed fourth, above several famous French houses. Our Judgment of Paris experience celebrates this 50th anniversary by diving deep into our origin story, including a tour of the estate and exploration of our Chardonnay legacy.
90 minReservation Required
Founders
$150For over 150 years, Cabernet Sauvignon has been cultivated on Spring Mountain, beginning with our founder, Charles Lemme. Over time, this varietal has achieved a pedigree native to this special place, with a profile that is both decadent and distinctive. Take part in this legacy by indulging in one of the deepest library collections in Napa Valley. After a guided tour, you will journey through a flight of wines from three distinct decades.
90 minReservation Required
Spring Mountain Explorers
$395An experience for those seeking adventure and discovery. Upon arrival, guests will be whisked away in our off-road, ranch vehicle for a tour of our more than 225-acres of vineyards. At elevations ranging from 400 – 1700 feet, this experience gives guests a first-hand look into the rugged mountain terroir that attracted our pioneering founders over a hundred years ago. From perched vistas to ancient terraced vineyard blocks, “ghost wineries” to hidden orchards, your designated Spring Mountain Guide will chart a path worthy of exploration. Your excursion concludes with an exploration of library and new release wines that showcase Spring Mountain’s distinctive terroir.
180 minReservation Required
The Pour
Wine list. (3)
| Wine | Type | Vintage | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Estate Cabernet Sauvignon 2021 The pinnacle of our mountain pedigree, the Estate Cabernet Sauvignon is our finest expression of our vineyard from any given year. Crafted to capture the nuances and complexities of our vast estate, the profile has always favored elegance over density, complexity over ripeness. Balanced, age-worthy, and unique, our 2021 Estate Cabernet Sauvignon is beauty in a bottle. | Cabernet Sauvignon | 2021 | ||
Estate La Perla Cabernet Sauvignon 2021 Home to Spring Mountain’s first Cabernet Sauvignon vines, La Perla’s reputation with this variety goes back more than 150 years. The rugged slopes rise 1600 feet in elevation, producing fruit with a rich complexity and luxurious personality. Savory and balanced, this wine is ready to drink now but will reward those with patience for years to come. | Cabernet Sauvignon | 2021 | ||
Estate Proprietary Red “SMV Resurrection” 2021 For decades, the five Noble varieties of Bordeaux have formed the bedrock of Spring Mountain Vineyards. Each year, we blend a wine from our finest blocks to showcase the complexity and beauty of our mountain terroir. Faithfully, we strike an artful balance of intensity, depth, elegance and polish. In our new chapter, we resurrect this storied tradition, delivering a serious wine that will age gracefully for many years to come. | Red Blend | 2021 |
Estate Cabernet Sauvignon 2021
The pinnacle of our mountain pedigree, the Estate Cabernet Sauvignon is our finest expression of our vineyard from any given year. Crafted to capture the nuances and complexities of our vast estate, the profile has always favored elegance over density, complexity over ripeness. Balanced, age-worthy, and unique, our 2021 Estate Cabernet Sauvignon is beauty in a bottle.
Cabernet Sauvignon2021
Estate La Perla Cabernet Sauvignon 2021
Home to Spring Mountain’s first Cabernet Sauvignon vines, La Perla’s reputation with this variety goes back more than 150 years. The rugged slopes rise 1600 feet in elevation, producing fruit with a rich complexity and luxurious personality. Savory and balanced, this wine is ready to drink now but will reward those with patience for years to come.
Cabernet Sauvignon2021
Estate Proprietary Red “SMV Resurrection” 2021
For decades, the five Noble varieties of Bordeaux have formed the bedrock of Spring Mountain Vineyards. Each year, we blend a wine from our finest blocks to showcase the complexity and beauty of our mountain terroir. Faithfully, we strike an artful balance of intensity, depth, elegance and polish. In our new chapter, we resurrect this storied tradition, delivering a serious wine that will age gracefully for many years to come.
Red Blend2021
Frequently Asked Questions
Where to Stay Nearby
View allHotel
InnSt. Helena · Napa4.8 · 101
Inn St. Helena
Eight named rooms in a Victorian on Main Street, a mile from the CIA at Greystone campus.
Kid FriendlyWine LoversCouples
★★★1.1 mi
Drive Times
From Napa hotels.
Estimated drive time from each hotel to Spring Mountain Vineyard, ordered by proximity.
| Hotel | Drive | Book |
|---|---|---|
| Silverado Resort | ~31 min | Book |
| The Westin Verasa Napa | ~34 min | Book |
| Archer Hotel Napa | ~34 min | Book |
| Andaz Napa, by Hyatt | ~34 min | Book |
| Carneros Resort and Spa | ~36 min | Book |
| The Meritage Resort and Spa | ~40 min | Book |
Estimates based on straight-line distance with a wine-country routing factor. Actual drive times vary with traffic and route choice.
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