Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Estate-Grown Wines from Napa Valley's Spring Mountain District
Smith-Madrone & Winery, founded in 1971 by Stuart Smith, is a family-owned estate nestled on Spring Mountain in Napa Valley. With over five decades of experience, we specialize in crafting small-lot, estate-grown wines that reflect the unique terroir of our mountain vineyards. Our commitment to dry farming and sustainable practices ensures grapes of exceptional character, aged in French oak to enhance complexity. Recognized globally, our wines have earned accolades including 97-point ratings and titles like 'Winery of the Year.' We prioritize transparency, offering curated tastings by appointment, and maintain a legacy of innovation while honoring traditional winemaking methods. Our team combines generational expertise with a passion for excellence, producing limited-release varietals that capture the essence of Napa Valley's Spring Mountain District. 
Services
Cabernet Sauvignon
Chardonnay
Riesling
Cabernet Franc
Cook's Flat Reserve
Estate Bottled Wines
Wine Tastings
Vineyard Tours
Limited Releases
Library Wines
Details
- Year established: 1971
Highlights and features
- We offer over 50 years of expertise in mountain viticulture.
- Our wines are sustainably farmed and estate-grown exclusively.
- We implement dry-farming techniques to enhance grape concentration.
- Our portfolio includes 97-point rated and award-winning varietals.
- We provide curated, appointment-only tastings for personalized experiences.
What people say
Silky texture
Exceptional balance
Aging potential
Terroir expression
Award-winning blends
Services
Cabernet Sauvignon
Our Cabernet Sauvignon is estate-grown on steep slopes at elevations of 1,3002,000 feet. Aged 18 months in French oak, it offers cassis, black cherry, and mineral notes with structured tannins. This wine balances power and elegance, reflecting Spring Mountain's cool climate and volcanic soils. Ideal for aging 15+ years, it pairs with red meats and hearty dishes.
Chardonnay
Crafted from vines planted in 1972, this Chardonnay features bright acidity and flavors of green apple, citrus, and stone fruit. Fermented in stainless steel with partial malolactic fermentation, it retains freshness. Aged on lees for complexity, it complements seafood and creamy pasta dishes.
Riesling
Planted in 1972, our Riesling thrives in volcanic soils. It balances vibrant acidity with stone-fruit and floral notes. Aged on lees for texture, it offers a dry, mineral-driven profile. This age-worthy wine pairs with spicy cuisine and shellfish.
Cook's Flat Reserve
A limited-edition blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc, sourced from a historic 8-acre block. Aged 19 months in new French oak, it features cassis, tobacco, and spice with refined tannins. Only 2,300 bottles produced annually, it ages gracefully for decades.
Vineyard Tours
Private tours explore our 200-acre mountain estate, including vineyard blocks planted since 1972. Guests learn about dry farming, sustainable practices, and winemaking history. Tastings of current releases and library wines are available by appointment.
People
Stuart Smith
Founder & General Partner
Stuart Smith founded Smith-Madrone in 1971 after studying viticulture at UC Davis. A pioneer of dry farming in Napa Valley, he combines traditional methods with innovation. His leadership has earned global recognition for the winery's terroir-driven wines.
Charles F. Smith III
Winemaker
Charlie Smith, co-proprietor and winemaker, has worked alongside his brother Stuart since 1971. He oversees all aspects of winemaking, emphasizing minimal intervention and quality. His expertise in mountain viticulture shapes the winery's acclaimed portfolio.
François Bugué
Associate Winemaker
François Bugué joined Smith-Madrone in 2007, bringing international winemaking experience. He contributes to blending decisions and cellar operations, ensuring consistency across vintages. His background enhances the team's technical precision.
Questions
How do I schedule a tasting at Smith-Madrone?
Tastings are available by appointment through our Tock reservations system or by calling 707.963.2283.
Are your wines available outside California?
We ship to most U.S. states but are restricted in Mississippi, Rhode Island, and Utah.
What makes Cook's Flat Reserve special?
It's a limited-edition blend from a historic vineyard block, aged in new French oak and individually numbered.
Do you offer virtual tastings?
Yes, we host virtual experiences with our winemakers via Zoom or Instagram Live.
How should I store your wines?
Store in a cool, dark place. Our Cabernets age 15–20 years; Riesling improves for 10+ years.
What sustainability practices do you use?
We dry farm, use solar energy, and maintain biodiversity across our 200-acre estate.
Videos
Reviews (4)
Laurie Yocom
Oct 21, 2021
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Had a lovely tasting on a beautiful October day out in the vineyard. Bonnie was awesome and graciously let us have a picnic. And the Riesling! The Riesling!
Chris Cocca
Sep 23, 2020
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We visited Smith-Madrone several years ago which was a great experience including their beautiful vineyard on Spring Mountain. We ordered their 2016 Cabernet and Chardonnay recently, and think both were excellent quality wines at outstanding value vs other Napa Valley wineries. Highly recommended!
Madison Warner
Oct 12, 2019
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Amazing hidden gem. The owners are great people and make amazing wine. We didnt try a single wine we didnt love. And they are all reasonably priced. Well worth the visit and the time. We will be back!!!
L. B.
Jan 21, 2019
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Wonderful cab, reserve cab, riesling and chardonnay. Beautiful property. And the only place where the owner/wine maker, since 1971, will be your host. What stories and history! Thanks Charles
