Hans Fahden Vineyards is a resplendent natural paradise, secluded high in the Mayacamas Mountains that separate Napa and Sonoma counties, yet only a five minute drive from the fine restaurants, cozy inns, and relaxing spas of Calistoga.

Perched at an elevation of 1200 feet above sea level, at the very top of the ridge crest, Hans Fahden presents examples of the mountain micro-climates that lie nestled above the valley floors of the wine country. Mountain vineyards typically are challenging to plant and maintain, for they take root in rocky soils that are more naturally suited to the dense fir forests that surround them.

Three generations of Fahden family members have worked on the property, from grandfather Hans, who came in 1912 and initially planted orchards, to grandsons Antone and Lyall, who have carved out the vineyards, lake, water gardens, and of course, the cave.

One of the more unusual caves in the California wine country, the Hans Fahden cave is particularly unique among those of modern construction. Not only is it entirely in its native bare-rock state, without the lining of shotcrete, or gunnite, which is normally used to line wine cave interiors, but it also has a rarely seen, peaked gothic ceiling throughout its length, quite different from the conventional rounded shape one usually sees.

This is one of the more intimate caves of the wine country, very modest in size and simply laid out in the form of a letter "T". Here our concert audience faces the central stage from three directions, surrounded by the rough, fascinating textures and colors of three-million-year-old rock.

Outside the cave, the beautiful lake and water gardens have abundant birds, flowers, and fish, providing a welcome sense of peace and tranquility.

Photos courtesy of Hans Fahden Vineyards

- Hans Fahden - Caldwell - Clos Pegase - Byington