Mayacamas Vineyards and Winery

Perched at 2,400 feet atop Mount Veeder's volcanic crater, Mayacamas Vineyards commands one of Napa Valley's most dramatic terroirs, where Andy Erickson crafts mountain wines of legendary power and longevity from vines rooted in ancient volcanic soils.

Founded in 1889 by German immigrant John Henry Fisher, Mayacamas has weathered Prohibition, multiple ownership changes, and the evolution of Napa Valley to emerge as a beacon of traditional mountain winemaking. Under Andy Erickson's direction, the estate honors its heritage while embracing modern precision, maintaining the classical style that made Mayacamas wines legendary for their ability to age gracefully for decades. The winery's philosophy centers on expressing the raw power of mountain terroir through minimal intervention, allowing the challenging volcanic soils and extreme elevation to shape wines of uncommon intensity and structure.

Mayacamas' flagship Cabernet Sauvignon represents the pinnacle of mountain winemaking, sourced from steep hillside vineyards where volcanic ash and red rock create wines of remarkable concentration and tannic backbone. The estate's Chardonnay, equally revered, showcases how mountain elevation preserves acidity while developing complex mineral layers. These ultra-premium wines command respect from collectors worldwide, with vintages from the 1970s still drinking beautifully today. Production remains deliberately limited, with each bottle representing the uncompromising expression of one of California's most challenging and rewarding vineyard sites. The winery's commitment to traditional techniques, including extended aging in neutral oak, produces wines that defy modern trends in favor of timeless elegance.

Visiting Mayacamas requires advance planning and offers one of Napa Valley's most exclusive experiences. The historic stone winery, built into the mountainside, provides a dramatic backdrop for tastings that reveal the full scope of mountain winemaking. Tours showcase the estate's commitment to traditional methods, from hand-harvesting on impossibly steep slopes to aging wines in caves carved directly into volcanic rock. The tasting room experience emphasizes education and appreciation for mountain terroir, with appointments limited to ensure intimate encounters with these remarkable wines. The drive up Mount Veeder alone provides breathtaking views across both Napa and Sonoma valleys.

For serious collectors seeking wines that embody California's winemaking heritage, Mayacamas represents an essential experience. Contact the winery directly for exclusive tastings and allocation opportunities, where mountain mastery meets decades of winemaking tradition in every bottle.