Spring Mountain wineries

Spring Mountain Vineyard. The only way to visit this winery, which opened to the public last year, is to sign up in advance for a 11⁄2-hour walking tour of the beautifully maintained 1885 estate.
MacNeil's pick: "Masculine" justly sums up the intense, boldly structured, rich 2001 Syrah ($50).
Info: Tours and tastings daily; $25. 2805 Spring Mountain Rd.; www.springmountainvineyard.com or 707/967-4188.

Stony Hill Vineyard. It's white wines only at the first Napa winery built post- Prohibition.
MacNeil's pick: Stony Hill's Chardonnays were among the first "cult" wines in the Napa Valley. Pure, crisp, and precise, the 2002 Chardonnay ($30) is exactly the opposite of others' big butterball Chardonnays.
Info: Tastings Mon-Fri; free. www.stonyhillvineyard.com or 707/963-2636.

Terra Valentine. Fascinating guided tours of this elaborate stone edifice end in an oak-paneled tasting room, where wines are paired with cheeses and chocolates.
MacNeil's pick: Ripe cherries and dark chocolate come together in the velvety, medium-bodied 2001 Spring Mountain District Cabernet Sauvignon ($35).
Info: Tours and tastings daily; $20 (waived with wine purchase). 3787 Spring Mountain Rd.; www.terravalentine.com or 707/967-8340.