Spring Mountain Vineyard
If you love learning the history and stories behind the wineries you visit, you should head out to Spring Mountain Vineyard. Don’t blink or you’ll miss it-like so many of the vineyards in Napa, you’d never know it was there unless you were looking for it. But once you’re through the gates you’ll feel like you’ve traveled back in time to a different sort of place. Dandy and I could’ve spent hours here, just taking in the views and basking in the peacefulness.
Spring Mountain Vineyards is made up of 3 different vineyards, each one with its own rich history. German immigrant Charles Lemme established La PerlaVineyards in 1876, and was the very first person to grow and make Cabernet Sauvignon on Spring Mountain. Thank you kindly, Mr. Lemme!
Tiburcio Parrott was born in Mexico in 1840. School and work brought him to San Francisco, then to Napa where he became friends with the Beringer brothers. Through them he was introduced to architect Albert Schroepfer who designed the Orpheum Theater in San Francisco. The two men wasted no time in designing and building Miravalle, a gigantic residence with panoramic views of Napa Valley.
There’s a famous window in that house, and if you’ve ever watched Falcon Crest you’ll know exactly which window I’m talking about. Of all the fascinating historical tidbits we learned, this is the one I chose to share- I’m a sucker for Hollywood, what can I say?
In 1850 Fortune Chevalier left France with several panels of glass and headed for San Francisco with intentions of building and repairing windows. Circumstances landed him in Sacramento dealing in wines and spirits instead. Eventually he wound up in Napa and his timing couldn’t have been better: In 1880 there were 40 wineries in Napa, and within a decade there were 166. Chateau Chevaliercame to be at the end of that great winemaking boom.
Much of the old winery equipment and horse carriages still exist at Spring Mountain Vineyard, and the grounds also contain the largest stone terrace garden in Napa. The library wines we had the pleasure of tasting were absolutely phenomenal, and our host Catherine White was so much fun, and incredibly knowledgeable about the history andthe wines. We can’t wait to go back when we have more time to take it all in!
- Lea Gourley
