August 14, 2025 (St. Helena, CA) — Spring Mountain Vineyard, the esteemed 19th-century estate nestled in the Spring Mountain District Appellation, is proud to announce a significant restoration of its historic botanical gardens. This revitalization marks a new chapter for the estate, celebrating its rich heritage and demonstrating resilience in the wake of the 2020 Glass Fire.
To achieve the transformation of the treasured garden, Spring Mountain Vineyard has partnered with Arcadia Studio, the renowned landscape architecture firm acclaimed for its work on Montecito’s Lotusland, one of the world’s premiere botanical gardens. Over several months, they curated a diverse collection of plants to enhance beauty, create interest, and improve accessibility throughout the garden.
Among the historic buildings and rows of vines that make up Spring Mountain Vineyard, the one-acre botanical garden offers a serene oasis. Once a neglected retreat, it has been meticulously revived to its former glory, providing a verdant sanctuary where visitors can wander through well-marked paths, surrounded by swaying palms and exotic flora.
The restoration began in spring 2025 with careful understory cleanup and canopy management to allow existing plants to flourish. Many original specimens were preserved, including two magnificent Chilean Wine Palms (Jubea Chilensis) that stand as majestic sentinels. The composition was thoughtfully reconfigured in many areas, grouping plants horticulturally for optimal viewing. For example, several “Seuss-like” Kiepersol trees (Cussonia paniculata), known for their unusual shape, were relocated to more prominent positions along the pathway, complemented by surrounding textures and colors.
Arcadia Studio also introduced interesting species from around the world, incorporating year-round deciduous trees and those offering stunning seasonal color. A twenty-foot Silk Floss Tree (Ceiba speciosa), native to South America and known for its spectacular pink and white fall blooms, now graces the entrance. Other notable additions include the Jurassic-era Sago Palm (Cycas revoluta), the elegant Brugmansia, and the sculptural Australian Tea Tree (Leptospermum laevigatum).
Sasha Shebalin, lead landscape designer with Arcadia Studio commented, ”Revitalizing the historic botanic garden at Spring Mountain Vineyard is a delicate balance of honoring its legacy while introducing new vitality. We carefully balanced preserving its inherent beauty—achieved through selective editing and relocating key specimens—with the thoughtful integration of new, low-water exotic plantings. This blend of old and new allows us to continue to build upon the garden’s rich history and create fresh moments of exploration and discovery.”
Beyond the botanical enhancements, the garden pathways have been updated to ensure comfort and easy navigation. Modified edging guides visitors, creating inviting stopping points and small nooks ideal for enjoying a glass of wine. Informative placards have been installed for many species, offering the option of a self-guided tour.
This enchanting garden provides a unique winery experience, inviting guests to immerse themselves in a vibrant palette of greens, accompanied by the gentle sounds of nature. Knowledgeable estate ambassadors guide visitors, identifying plants and sharing their rich narratives. The garden will evolve through the seasons, promising new delights with every visit, and serving as a place of inspiration and connection to the estate’s history.
About Spring Mountain Vineyard
Spring Mountain Vineyard is a privately owned 845-acre wine estate located on the steep slopes of Spring Mountain, east of St. Helena in Napa Valley. Comprised of four unique vineyard ranches (Miravalle, Chateau Chevalier, La Perla and Alba) it was first planted to Cabernet Sauvignon in 1873 and has since continued its pursuit of excellence. Spring Mountain Vineyard rose to critical acclaim for its wines with its 1973 Spring Mountain Chardonnay, which placed fourth in the groundbreaking Judgment of Paris in 1976. For more information, visit www.springmountainvineyard.com.
