Freemark Abbey

Yes—Freemark Abbey's 1972 Napa Valley Chardonnay was the only American white wine included in Steven Spurrier's 1976 Judgment of Paris tasting. It placed respectably among the French whites, contributing to the shock that Napa could compete with top Burgundy producers.

The property's winemaking origins date to 1886, making it one of the oldest continuously operating wineries in Napa Valley. It survived Prohibition by producing sacramental wines and resumed commercial production under the Freemark Abbey name in 1939.

The estate is best known for its Cabernet Sauvignon, particularly the Bosché Vineyard designate from a site first planted in the early 1970s in the Rutherford area. They also produce Chardonnay, Merlot, and a Sycamore Vineyard Cabernet, all from estate and sourced Napa fruit.

Yes, the winery operates a stone-and-timber tasting room along Highway 29 in St. Helena, California, open to visitors by appointment or walk-in depending on the season. Their offerings range from standard tastings to library and vertical Cabernet flights.