Ballard Vineyard

Ballard Vineyard (known as Lüscher-Ballard until a rebrand with the 2019 vintage) sits near the summit of Spring Mountain at about 2,200 feet, in the Spring Mountain District above St. Helena. Christina Lüscher-Ballard and her husband, film director Carroll Ballard, bought the 70-plus-acre property in 1990 after first seeing it under snow, pulled out a struggling walnut orchard, let the ground lie fallow for six years, and planted vines in 2002.

About 15 acres are under vine, mostly Cabernet Sauvignon with small blocks of Merlot and Petit Verdot. The wines have been shaped by a string of notable winemakers: John Kongsgaard from 2007 to 2016, followed by Aaron Pott, with vintages also crafted by Greg La Follette and Jean Hoefliger.

Production is tiny, often under 100 cases a year, with 250 cases counting as a big vintage. The estate is not open to the public, but visits are available by appointment; the winery's website handles wine purchases, mailing-list sign-ups, and tasting inquiries.