Total Trail Miles: 28.1
Mount Veeder AVA is a large, steep appellation located along the Mayacamas Mountains on the western boundary of Napa Valley. This cool to moderate temperature region is composed of thin, well drained sedimentary soils noted for producing wine that's typically bold, brambly, tannic and age worthy. Winemaking in the appellation dates back to the 1860's and currently supports sixteen vineyards and six wineries.
Vineyards: 16
Total Area: 26,431 acres
Planted Area: 162 acres
Percent Planted: 0.6 %
Planted Varietals of Mount Veeder
Cabernet Sauvignon 58.28%
Chardonnay 16.39%
Syrah 3.02%
Merlot 1.31%
Zinfandel 0.34%
Malbec 0.31% 0.5
Cabernet Franc 0.25%
Mondeuse Noire 0.2%
Carmenere 0.07% 0.1
Start the trail outside the appellation at Franciscan where they pour Mount Veeder wine. The Mount Veeder Winery got its start in the late 1960's when owners of a weekend retreat replaced prunes with grapes and eventually focused their efforts on the art of making wine. The winery currently farms three mountain vineyards 1000-2400 feet off the floor and pours wine inside Franciscan's handsome tasting room off Highway 29 in Rutherford.
Continue south on Highway 29 until you reach the Oakville Grade Road. Make a right and travel west to Mt. Veeder Road about four miles in. Make a left and follow the winding road another four miles to Lakoya, the entrance to Mayacamas Vineyards is one half mile on the left. This rugged 52-acre family estate sits at the peak of Mt. Veeder and dates back to the late 19th century. The winery was renovated in the late 1960's and currently produces five varietals including age worthy Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon. Mayacamas is a unique wildlife/winery experience and highly recommended.
Work your way back to Mt. Veeder Road and continue south to Redwood. Make a right and travel another mile to The Hess Collection. Hess is winery and art gallery so make a point of spending some time up here. Donald Hess established the winery in 1978 and opened it to the public ten years later. The winery farms 310 acres on four different vineyards and serves wine inside a century old stone building.
Final stop, Robert Craig. Work your way down Redwood and make a right at Linda Vista until you reach Lincoln Avenue. Make a left and head east until you reach Jordan Lane - the winery's tasting room is located inside an office building at the end of the street on Imperial Way. Robert Craig is a thirty year old winery focused on mountain fruit from multiple vineyards including Mount Veeder. During the 1980’s, Bob developed over 300 acres of vineyards on Mt. Veeder and served as general manager of the Hess Collection Winery. Along the way, he spearheaded the campaign to have Mt. Veeder designated as a special appellation district in 1990.
Dine at The Bounty Hunter in Napa. (707) 226 3976
Mount Veeder Winery at Franciscan
