Spring Mountain Vineyard

What it's like

Spring Mountain Vineyard is a big property, more than 225 acres, with olive groves, botanical gardens, terraced vineyards, historic structures and orchards. The main tastings are guided: an Estate Ambassador walks you around part of the estate, then pours a flight. It is one of the more landscape-forward visits on the mountain.

Who it's best for

Visitors who like to wander the property and learn the history. The Cabernet heritage focus makes it a fit for collectors, and the longer off-road tour suits adventurous groups. It is not a drop-in place: all experiences require a reservation.

What to book

All experiences are by reservation and available daily:

• Vista, $95 per person, about 90 minutes: a personalized tour of the olive groves, botanical gardens and terraced vineyards with an Estate Ambassador, followed by a wine flight. Daily 9:30 am to 3:45 pm, parties of 1 to 7.
• Judgment of Paris, $95 per person, about 90 minutes: a tasting celebrating the 50th anniversary of the estate's 1973 Chardonnay placing in the 1976 blind tasting.
• Founders, $200 per person, about 90 minutes: a look at 150 years of Cabernet heritage with wines from three decades.
• Spring Mountain Explorers, $395 per person, about three hours: an off-road trip across the estate, daily at 10 am and 2 pm for parties of 2 to 8.

Contact the concierge at 707.967.4186 or concierge@springmtn.com with questions.

The road up is steep. Arrange a designated driver, a private car or a tour.

How it fits into a day

The Vista experience fits a late-morning start before lunch in St. Helena. If you pick Explorers, treat it as a half-day. Check the website for the latest schedule before you plan the day.