Napa Valley & Sonoma Wine Tasting Tours
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 The land where Freemark Abbey now stands has thick winemaking roots dating far back into Napa history. In 1886, when Josephine Tychson founded a winery here, she became Napa’s first female winery owner and winemaker.
The redwood winery she built still stands on the property.
In 1898, a new owner renamed the winery Lombarda Cellars and constructed the stone winery that continues being used today (for barrel storage—with the street facing side rented to the Silverado Brewing Co, Restaurant & Bar).
The winery closed for two decades beginning in prohibition, but found new life in 1939 when three Southern California businessmen purchased it to form Freemark Abbey. The winery is currently owned by Jackson Family Wines.
With its Italian archways, ancient stone walls, handsome wooden doors and lush grounds, beautiful Freemark Abbey is often described as “romantic.”
The tasting room, in a modern building nearby, has a warm and inviting feel. You’ll find historical artifacts and information detailing the winery’s history. On sunny days you’ll probably want to bring your wine out to the patio, where you can relax and enjoy the surroundings.
 Fascinating Fact:
The winery’s name dates from 1939, when new owners—Charles Freeman, Markquand Foster and Abbey Ahem—combined formed “Freemark Abbey” from their own names.
Amenities: Wine club, Pairing (reservations needed)
Founded: 1886
Signature Wines: Cabernet Sauvignon, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Merlot, Petite Sirah
Wine Tasting: Basic, no appointment needed; Cabernet Comparison, by reservation only
Hours: Daily, 10–5
Freemark Abbey
3022 St. Helena Highway North
St. Helena, CA 94574
800-963-9698 x. 3721
Suzie Rodriguez writes about travel, food, and wine from her home in the wine-country town of Sonoma, California. You can follow her travels and musings at The Culinary Gadabout.
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