3022 St. Helena Highway North
St. Helena, CA 94574
707- 963-7633
http://www.freemarkabbey.com/

 

 

 

DIRECTIONS
Southeast on Solano towards Redwood
Left on Redwood
Merge on CA 29N/ via ramp on Left toward Calistoga
Destination is on the Right
Total Travel Time = 25 minutes

 

 

 

TASTING ROOM INFORMATION
The Tasting Room is open daily from 10am - 5pm and they have several different tasting selections to choose from. Whether you are interested in their Classic Tasting of current releases or continuing your wine knowledge by taking part in their in-depth Cabernet comparison, everyone will take away a piece of history after visiting the estate.

 

 

Classic Tasting: $10 per person
Sample four wines from their current Napa Valley releases - Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Viognier, Merlot, Syrah, Petite Sirah and their flagship Cabernet Sauvignon. Reservations are not required, but are recommended.

 

 

Cabernet Comparison: $20 per person
Freemark Abbey elevates your Cabernet tasting experience to a new, educational level. Guests are seated for a guided tasting through four of their Cabernet Sauvignons each unique in appellation, vineyard sourcing and vintage. Reservations required for a party of six or more.

 

 

Wine & Cheese Pairing: $30 per person
Explore the world of hand-crafted cheeses, specially selected to showcase the versatility of Freemark Abbey wines. Their knowledgeable staff will guide you through a fun epicurean experience - revealing secrets to successfully pair wine and cheeses in your own home. Reservation required at least one day in advance.

 

 

THE STORY
The history of Freemark Abbey began in 1886, when Josephine Marlin Tychson became the first woman to build and operate a winery in California.

The historic site where Josephine's winery, Tychson Cellars, once stood is now known as Freemark Abbey. Today Freemark Abbey continues the legacy of winemaking that Josephine began so many years ago.

 

 

Josephine, a native of San Lorenzo, California and her husband, John Tychson, a Danish immigrant, moved to St. Helena in 1881. They hoped that the Napa Valley's climate would help John, who suffered from tuberculosis. In addition, the couple decided to pursue their dream of making wine from their own vineyards. For $8,500, they purchased 147 acres north of St. Helena, which later became known as "Tychson Hill".

 

 

The first vineyards on the Tychson land were most likely planted in 1875, five or six years before the couple acquired the property. With only a horse and plow, the Tychsons began to expand these vineyards, adding approximately ten acres of vines each year.

 

Freemark Abbey currently crafts approximately 40,000 cases of wine each year, almost five times the capacity of the original Tychson Cellars. Today, Freemark Abbey produces three Cabernets, a Napa Valley Cabernet, and the vineyard designated Bosche and Sycamore Cabernets. They also produce Merlot, Chardonnay, and Riesling, as well as very limited production wines such as Viognier, Petite Sirah, Sangiovese, and Cabernet Franc. Given the right climate and harvesting conditions, the winery also makes a luscious late harvest Riesling known as "Edelwein Gold".