Ghost wineries of California's Napa Valley

By Kevin Garbee 2008-8-4 9:25:08

The renowned Chateau Montelana, which helped catapult California to the forefront of the wine world, is located at the base of Mount St. Helena. The property is one of the ghost wineries of the Napa Valley, where winemakers look to the future but also embrace their past. At these locations, visitors can get a taste of history along with their wine.

(Kevin Garbee)

Dozens of barrels are stored in the wine caves at Storybook Mountain Vineyards in Calistoga. Adam Grimm, a German immigrant, purchased the property in 1883 and, with the help of his brother Jacob, dug three wine tunnels into the mountainside. In 1976, the property was purchased by Jerry and Sigrid Seps, who opened the Storybook Mountain Vineyards. Visitors can tour the picturesque property and sample wines in the original wine caves.
(Kevin Garbee)

Vineyards cover the hills at Storybook Mountain Vineyards in Calistoga. The winery, which first opened in the 1880s, today produces some of the world's highest-rated Zinfandels.

(Kevin Garbee)

Plans are in the works to restore the original 1876 Franco-Swiss Winery building to working condition. The three-story building is located on the Mansfield Winery property in St. Helena.
(Jenn Garbee)

Visitors sample wine in the tasting room at the Chateau Montelena Winery in Calistoga. The winery was established in 1882, but winemaking on the property virtually ceased from Prohibition until 1972, when James Barrett bought the estate. Four years later, Chateau Montelena helped catapult California to the forefront of the wine world at the now-famous Judgment of Paris wine tasting when its 1973 Chardonnay was rated above all others.
(Jenn Garbee)

From Los Angeles Times