Founded in 1971 by Stuart Smith, Smith-Madrone is a pioneer of mountain farming and dry farming in the mountains. The winery is known for its dry Riesling although it also makes Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon and a proprietary prestige cuveé, Cook’s Flat Reserve. The winery property is dramatically situated on steep slopes in the Spring Mountain District, with dramatic views to the north, east and south of the Napa Valley.

The winery is located at 4022 Spring Mountain Road, about a 15-minute drive from ‘downtown’ St. Helena. All of the winery’s wines are made from the estate vineyards surrounding the winery, originally planted 50 years ago by Stuart Smith. The vineyards are primarily dry-farmed on steep mountainsides surrounding the winery on top of Spring Mountain in the Napa Valley. At elevations between 1,300 and 2,000 feet, the vineyards extend in steepness up to 35% slopes.

When visitors arrive for a tasting, they’re always greeted and hosted by Winemaker Charles Smith, Associate Winemaker Francois Bugue or General Partner Stuart Smith. The tasting takes place inside the winery, with a likely stroll out in the Chardonnay and Cabernet vineyards surrounding the building or up to a scenic lawn with dramatic views in all directions. The tasting is a personal experience where guests learn the winery’s history and can go deep into the nuances of all the wines Smith-Madrone produces. Artisanal and authentic are the key attributes at Smith-Madrone.