Spring Mountain appellation is defined by vineyards that range from small to smaller, often hand-tilled on terraces and sloping meadows, and wineries hidden from view among dark forests and steep winding roads. Over the years, despite its limited space and remoteness, the appellation has produced an abundance of wines acclaimed worldwide for the unmistakable intense flavor and delicate, balanced tannins that are now the signature of Spring Mountain wines.
Fantesca Estate is located just a mile up Spring Mountain Road from St. Helena’s main street. Steeped in history, it was originally the dowry of Caroline Bale when she married Charles Krug in 1860. In 1889, long before women could vote in the USA, a Cabernet Sauvignon from this property, made by Hannah Weinberger, achieved one of the first awards for a wine from Napa Valley. In keeping with the strong female heritage of the property, The Hoff’s chose the winery’s namesake… La Fantesca, who was a sexy, smart and strong-willed female character in the popular early Italian theatrical performances of Commedia dell’ Arte. Both the lover and the equal of Harlequin, Fantesca could always be counted on to woo the audience with her trademark cheek.
Today, Fantesca Estate & Winery encompasses 53+ acres, 10 of which were planted in 1997 to Cabernet Sauvignon, with one acre to Petit Verdot. The vineyard is located on the southeastern side of Spring Mountain with tremendous variations in slope. It is farmed by Jim Barbour in accordance with sustainable management practices. The full-scale modern winery was built in 2001. Their cave, rumored to be an abandoned silver mine, stretches 280 feet beneath a ridge of Spring Mountain, offering spectacular storage and aging capacities for Fantesca’s wines and those of their custom crush clients.
Fantesca produces just over 800 cases of Cabernet and 1,000 cases of Chardonnay each year. Esteemed winemaker, Heidi Peterson Barrett creates each vintage. Dubbed “The First Lady of Wine” by Robert Parker, Jr. she has received an unmatched five perfect 100 point scores. Fantesca Estate & Winery is Barrett’s first new project since leaving Screaming Eagle in 2006.
If you get a chance to visit, better jump on it. The winery isn’t open to the public.
