Pride Mountain Vineyards
St Helena, CA 94574 (707) 963-4949
- Price Range: $$$
- Accepts Credit Cards: Yes
- Parking: Private Lot
- Good for Kids: No
61 reviews
Sonoma, CA
"My favorite winery in Sonoma. The wine is amazing and affordable. The muscat is to die for. I wish you could get it in stores. The staff…" read more »
16 Reviews for Pride Mountain Vineyards
The $5 tasting fee was well worth it for the exceptional helpfulness and attention of our guide (this could have something to do with the low-season timing of our trip). Pride Mountain specializes in reds and we were sufficiently impressed with the merlot to walk away with a bottle. Yes, merlot - that which we all poo-poo'ed after Sideways.
We also got to stroll across the beautiful grounds. We left Spring Mountain after visiting Pride, but be assured this is not our last visit to this area of Napa!
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Unfortunately I didn't have the same positive experience as other reviewers. I made a reservation a week in advance, but on arrival the place was so overbooked that there was literaly no where to rest your glass, let alone learn something about their wines by speaking to a host. I think they honestly meant well, as Jason was generally friendly and welcoming, but it was the kind of tasting you expect to get right on highway 29--too cramped. The array of t-shirts and other touristy memorabilia in the tasting area doesn't do much for the ambience either.
With regard to their wines, I thought they were good but not very good. Unfortunately the Cab Franc was sold out, which was too bad since that is apparently their showcase wine. The Merlot is a good wine, with reasonable structure and depth of flavor. The 2006 seemed a little brighter and more complex than the 2005.
Overall, my sense is that this is a good place to taste at mid week, but I'd avoid it during busier times--its was packed, cramped, and frankly neither informative nor fun in my group's experience. I hate dinging what is obviously a really nice group of people, but the experience speaks for itself, and their showcase wine never set foot on the stage.
In the tasting room at Pride Mountain Vineyards I discovered that, yes, people still wear white jeans.
I also discovered that I like talking about anything with the pourers except for wine, and that when I do (talk about other things), I enjoy the tasting experience.
Acting on an early suspicion (and compulsive curiosity) I read the staff biographies -- supplied via the winery's comprehensive website -- ahead of our visit so that I'd have, on reserve, on the racks, several conversational points of entry. WHICH conversational piece I let spill forth from my spigot would of course depend on who was behind the bar.
I lucked out. When the white jeans group finally shuffled aside and out the door it was Russ who stood before us.
"So, people who dislike cats are not to be trusted...?"
He looked puzzled, if not entirely shocked. "How do you know that?"
Good grief. Nobody reads and nobody expects anyone to read anymore. Either that or the webmaster is publishing unauthorized biographies.
I'm a reader, not a stalker, Russ.
And thus commenced our conversation about feral cats and the organization Friends of Felines and coyote-feline encounters thwarted by coi ponds, which evolved into a discussion of favorite vegetable-based restaurants which concluded with me scribbling a few of my Bay Area picks on a piece of note paper for him, while he printed out a copy of the current dinner menu at Napa's much-raved Ubuntu for me and my companion.
The second pourer, Jason, who bore a resemblance to Kyle McLaughlin, if Kyle had more scientist in him and wore braces, was equally hospitable and gave us some additional historical background on the the property, which rests on 200-some acres extending across the flanks of the Mayacamas Mountains. (You'll leave the Valley floor behind, climbing the wooded Spring Mountain Road for 20 minutes to reach the estate.)
All the while we enjoyed the five wines on the menu: The Pride Chardonnay and four reds including the 2005 Cabernet Franc and the Reserve Cab, and an unfinished sixth wine -- a gracious offer and a happy treat!
I would return again by appointment (apparently required by County ordinance) to tour the grounds and enjoy a picnic lunch on one of their bench tables -- perched ideally on a hilltop across from the tasting room, with an impressive view of Mount St. Helena. This was our original plan but it was foiled by the cold and wind. Conversely I now have my share of three excellent cheeses, spreads and a Bouchon Bakery loaf to last me through the week.
And I'll drink Pride Mountain wines by the glass at the next restaurants I visit that feature them. They ARE good, but I either am unwilling to pretend, or unwilling to pay the bottle prices to develop the impression that they're THAT good. Bottles we tasted ranged from $39 (for the Chardonnay) to $800 with the remainder falling in the $80-100. region.
Besides, I was looking forward to dropping the extra dollars on dinner. (Ubuntu review to follow.)
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Pride mountain has some spectacular wines. We were lucky enough to even get a tour on their horse drawn carriage around their vineyards. Their wines are high quality, their merlot is as good as it gets. The trip up to the winery is a very pretty drive.
Worth every hair pin turn to get there. Young, cool energetic owners, wine maker, hip, but not trendy, pretentious (isn't every winery) without being snobby. If you know your wine then you will LOVE this place. Follow these steps for a great experience.
1.) stop at the local Safeway in St.Helena for a few essential picnic items, that will pair well with bold, sexy reds. Pretty simple right, protein and chocolate.
2.) check your tires on your car, make sure car is in good condition.
3.) designate a driver.
4.) Bring a blanket
5.)Spend 30-60 minutes tasting, buy a case to take home and a bottle to share. Look for the Oak tree and picnic area not far from the tasting room.
6.) Have great experience.
If you follow these 6 steps you will be rewarded handsomely.
Many other private, by appointment only, wineries along the way. Do your research before you go.
This is the best kept, not so secret above the valley.
I was a bit let down by me experience at Pride. Don't get me wrong, their wine is good. I have had it on several occasions and we bought 4 bottles. I guess I was expecting a more intimate setting? After all, it's appointment only and it's kinda hard to get one. The drive up was beautiful and their new digs are nice. I was just surprised by the push of merchandise and the average, stand at the counter tasting. I'm glad I went once, but I would not come back. If you do go, there are a few other wineries in the area, but most are appointment only, so you might want to check into it. Also, they do have a beautiful picnic area, so bring your lunch. The view is amazing.
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Don't forget to make a reservation before you make your way up Spring Mountain!
Come here for the tannic wines -- well, don't come here if you don't like tannins, cos this ain't the place for white zin. And if you're an anti-merlot snob like me who will "only drink cab," you're in for a surprise.
That's once you get past the stodgy staff, though. Unless you arrive in designer jeans carrying a Birkin, you'll have to fight to get anyone's attention, especially on a weekend.
It's worth it for those tannins, however.
Spring Mountain's soil is unique in the area, even among the other mountain districts; it also has underground springs (for which the area is named), rapid temperature fluctuations and a much higher rate of precipitation than the valley floor.
This can alternate between heaven and hell for its growers; you have to be good to make good wine here.
Smith Madrone even creates a Riesling down the road. Yes, Riesling. In a district that's 80-90% red.
incredibily delicious California wines though it's pricey. they have a great portfolio of whites and reds. i was able to taste and purchase a couple of bottles of their sangiovase (comes 500ML and from winery only). long drive to the top but it's worth the drive if you like robust wines without having to paid $100 or more for it. here's a little update, I'd just popped one of those sangiovase, it's good but not as good as I'd thought...maybe bottle variation..I don't know.
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Absolutely love their red wines! They make a killer cab that we purchased on our recent trip. Attentive staff. Beautiful view.
I ran the Carneros Vineyard 10K Run this weekend up in wine country with a good friend of mine. I was hesitant to do this run since I'm not really in the best running shape... but I am sure glad I did.
We tried a place or two, then we came to Pride. My friend insisted that I try their merlot. I don't like merlot, but that's only because I had never tried Pride's merlot. Okay now I like merlot. I tried a few of their other reds and all were excellent.
I told him we should've skipped all those other places and came straight here. That's how good the wine is here.
Jason, "The guy behind the counter" (yes that was his job title) was very helpful and knowledgeable about wines, the valley, and things that affect wine making. He gave a very enjoyable tour of the winery and was 10 times more informative about *real* things that impact winemaking.
Pride wine is expensive to me, I guess I'm just an island bumpkin. But their wine was so good that I bought quite a few bottles. Now I need to find a darn good reason to crack one open... getting married? Birth of my first kid? Family reunion? Getting cable tv?
Anyway, this place is a must try winery. Hurry over there, run don't walk! Tell 'em Bryan K sent you... they'll say, "Who the hell is Bryan K?!?" But they will be happy to teach you about wines and you'll taste some faaaaantastic wines too.
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June 30, 2006
Decided to go for a visit to say hello to the gang up at Pride. Haven't been up that way on a weekday for a while, so it's nice to catch up with everyone and hang out for a bit.
The 2003 Cabernet Sauvignon is doing very well. The best showing I can recall going as far back as the barrel samples I've tried at different times. Good fruit, round, rich but not over the top with well integrated tannin. Very polished at the moment, pleasant surprise.
Two recent 2004 release are also doing well. 2004 Merlot and 2004 Cabernet Franc were just bottled about two month ago, additional time in the bottle would definitely help. Certainly fine to pop one and try now if you can't wait
One bottling I am not so sure about is the 1999 Cabernet Sauvignon. They just found about 30 boxes and is currently available at the tasting room. I picked up a good amount of dill, pickle spice on the palate, much more acidic than I anticipated. Firm tannin with some red fruits in the background. I would like to try this again at another time to confirm my impression.
Went through a handful of 2005 barrel samples. 2005 Cab Franc is showing a lot of oak at the moment, can probably pass for mocha from Starbucks. The oak should tone down as the time goes and the deep fruit will become center stage.
2005 Carolyn's Vineyard displays great aromatic. Yes, it's a Cab, but the fragrant nose combined with deep dark fruit actually reminds me of the 2000 Monbousquet to an extend. Soft and elegant on the palate with an abundance of mineral. If some of this wine does go into the single vineyard bottling of the 2005 Mountain Top Cabernet that's on the drawing board, pick up all you can.
2005 Syrah is as inky black as it can be, may reach the level of motor oil by the time it actually hits the bottling line. Currently all on neutral oak, juicy, extracted, yet very fresh and lively. Should turn out to be a monster.
2004 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon is blended and ready to be bottled soon. The barrel I tried was a bit clunky and off focus, not quite as sharp as I expected. May just be the result of the fact it's the barrel they use most for barrel tasting. I am sure adjustments will be made for the final blending when it's ready to hit the tank and go into the bottle. Should be just fine.
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For those brave enough to drive to the top of Spring Mountain Road, Pride Mountain Vineyards is worth the effort. Well-structured with ripe tannins, even the most discriminating palate would be unable to discern their Merlot from your typical Napa Valley Cabernet. Speaking of Pride's Merlot, I would argue that Pride's Merot (Paloma included) and Syrah represent Napa Valley's best of the best.
Keep in mind that visiting Pride is by reservation only. Besides great wines, Russ, Scott, Tracy, Chris and Jason are excellent Ambassadors. If you're going to make the trek, I highly recommend visiting Sherwin Family Vineyards as well.
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I love this winery. It's been a fave of my for the past 3-4 years. I shouldn't have to say anything about the wine. Google it and you'll know why - it's all fabulous! Which is why coming to the winery and getting to taste everything is just so wonderful. While off the beaten path - ahem 29 - this is worth the drive. And at least you'll also get great scenery in addition to the wine.
I also must disagree with Tim. I have always had an excellent experience with the staff. I have found at least 2 other wineries that I love because of their recommendations and the last time, we were gifted with a nice bottle of wine to enjoy with our picnic that afternoon! And we always have wonderful conversations in general.
My faves - the Viognier and of course, their Cabernet Sauvignon. Do not miss out on this winery! Reservations are a must (and early! I had to miss Pride my last visit to Napa because they were booked solid!).
Wow- this place was incredible. It is a little off the beaten track, but doesn't that make it even better? =) The wines are incredibly tasty and expensive. Note: you need a tasting appointment!
I have to disagree with Tim- the people behind the bar were curteous, unpretentious, and didn't skimp on the tastings. We were the youngest people there by far (22 and 24), and when I walked in I admit that I did feel a bit underdressed and socially intimiated. But, the people behind the counter were wonderful to us and they didn't make us pay for tasting. It's normally $10 a piece. (and, no, we didn't buy ANYthing!) Awesome, 5 stars, so glad we went here. I will definitely be back.
Their tasting room is on top of a large hill that has beautiful view of Mt. St. Helena. They encouraged us to walk amongst the vines and explore the property, and they have a picnic table at the top of a vine-covered hill across the tasting room that is just too, too, too perfect.
The very high rating of this wine is based on the judgement of a gourmet NY lawyer who frequently visits the Napa Valley. This winery, situated high in the mountains between Napa and Sonoma Counties with spectacular views, is a no-nonsense place devoted to quality product. It is also endorsed by Robert Parker and has appeared on several White House state dinner menus.
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The wines at pride are spectacular. However, the service and people in the tasting room were a bunch of cocks for the most part hence the 3 stars. Not very friendly at all. Walking into their tasting room was like walking into Gucci, LV, ferragamo, etc.. The staff stares at you wondering why you're here. For the majority of the time we were there they were cold and distant. Just because I am a fatso doesn't mean I should be treated like a piece of shit. I should be treated like a piece of fat. There were only two other groups with 3 or 4 staff and they just ignored our group for the most part. So we look like a bunch of 12 year olds give us a break. Even though I am stickler for hospitality and an attempt of friendly service, I wasn't about to leave after 5 minutes of tasting or without buying something. The drive alone to Pride was 20 minutes off the beaten path and I wasn't planning on ever coming back. The Cabernet Franc was really good so I ended up buying 3 bottles. We still spent $400 before walking out the door. Luckily when we left the winemaker (Romel Rivera) of Corte Riva vineyards was outside in the parking lot. He is the assistant wine maker of pride wines and he offered to give us a tour of pride's caves. He gave us a tour and tasting out of the barrels. I had a chance to taste the best merlot ever! Too bad it was saved for the july reserve. It was perfect. He was very nice and informative about pride's winery and his own label Corte Riva. We ended up tasting about 6 different pride wines in a barrell and he openned a bottle of his own 2004 petite syrah (which we ended up taking home 6 bottles). He made our trip to the pride winery the best of the day and the best tour that I have been to in wine country so far. I would purely recommend making the treacherous drive to Pride to see Romel and hopefully get a tour. Otherwise save the risk of driving the crazy spring mountain road and make appointment tastings somewhere else.
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