Spring Mountain
Grapes may have been grown on Spring Mountain as early as the Civil War, but the most notable early grower was Tiburcio Parrott, whose still-standing La Perla, Chevalier and Miravelle vineyards won him a gold medal at the World's Fair in the 1890s. Over 90% of the wine produced in the Spring Mountain District AVA is red and mainly Bordeaux varietals, though the rocky mountain produces some success with Pinot Noir, Petite Syrah, and Chardonnay. A trip along the winding road through Spring Mountain is a special one, but one must call ahead to visit most of the tasting rooms. Out of both necessity and preference, every winegrower on Spring Mountain practices sustainable agriculture to prevent erosion. Grapes are hand-picked and create less fruit-forwards wines than those grown at lower elevations.