The Empty Nesters Kitchen

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Exploring Pride Mountain Vineyards: A Memorable Return

We toured Pride Mountain Vineyards for the first time in 2017 with a close-knit group of fellow empty nester friends, and it left such a lasting impression that we knew we’d return. Nine years, and a lot of life and travel in between, separated our two visits. This past March, John and I finally made a return trip. Some places just stay with you, and this remarkable vineyard is one of them. The best part? It delivered just as beautifully the second time around.

During our most recent visit, we spent time with Tim Bouchet, who has been with Pride Mountain Vineyards since 1998. Tim’s deep knowledge of the winery, thoughtful storytelling, and genuine passion for the wines and surrounding property enriched the entire experience.

Three smiling individuals stand in a winery lobby with a mural depicting vineyards and a horse-drawn cart in the background.

Distinctly situated in its high-elevation of 2100 feet, the property feels like an inviting retreat above the winding mountain roads of Napa and Sonoma. From our arrival to the final pour, every detail of the visit reflected a deep sense of place and a natural assurance in the wines being produced here, leaving a lasting impression that feels uniquely tied to the mountain itself.

Aerial view of a lush vineyard with neatly arranged rows of grapevines, rolling hills in the background, and a calm pond reflecting the blue sky.
Photography Credit: Kathryn Bryan

Tim guided us through an unforgettable tour of the caves, while sharing the rich history of Pride Mountain Vineyards along the way. Founded in 1990 by Jim Pride and Carolyn Pride, Pride Mountain Vineyards continues to thrive as a family-led winery. Since 2004, it has been led by their children, Suzanne Pride Bryan and Steve Pride. Expertly curated tastings were seamlessly woven into each stop throughout the journey. The experience gave us a heightened respect for the craftsmanship behind the Pride wines and the structure, depth, and distinctive character that have become synonymous with the winery.

Thank you, Tim, for such an immersive afternoon of outstanding wines, captivating views, and thoughtful conversation!

Two men walking through a wine cellar with oak barrels lining the walls in a dimly lit, arched space.
Close-up of a hand holding a glass of red wine, with a wine barrel and a menu in the background.
A collection of wine bottles with red caps displayed on a wooden barrel, accompanied by a corkscrew and a bottle stopper on a black cloth.
A wooden display featuring bottles of Pride Mountain Vineyard wine, including one large bottle and a gift box with three smaller bottles. A silver wine chiller and a menu are placed on a table in an elegant tasting room with dark wooden accents and floral decor.
A hand holding a detailed topographic map of the Napa Valley region, showcasing terrain features and major geographical landmarks.
A hand holding a wine glass filled with Chardonnay in front of a vineyard, with a sign labeling the grape variety and lush green hills in the background.

At the end of our tour, the doors opened into a chandelier lit space that felt both inviting and rooted in tradition. Soft light washed over rich textures, stone walls, arched wood doors, and deep-toned seating, creating an intimate setting where the story of the property, its wines, and its history all naturally came together

Cozy interior of a wine tasting room featuring a wooden ceiling, plush seating with red chairs and a dark sofa, decorative wall art, and elegant chandeliers.
A hand pours red wine into a glass on a table, accompanied by a blue bottle of water and a plate of cheese and snack items.

A unique part of Pride’s story is built right into the land itself. The estate doesn’t just sit in one area of wine country; it straddles Napa and Sonoma. A simple brick line runs quietly through the property, marking the divide, it is one vineyard rooted in two legendary wine regions.

Entrance sign of Pride Mountain Vineyards featuring stone arch with 'Pride Mountain Vineyards' engraved, flanked by 'Napa' and 'Sonoma' on the pillars, with a building in the background.
Photography Credit: Kathryn Bryan

Pride Mountain Vineyards has long been recognized among a small group of standout producers, with wines served at the White House more than 30 times since 1999 and included in Robert Parker Jr.’s The World’s Greatest Wine Estates. That level of recognition is echoed in the glass, where the wines are consistently praised by critics, often scoring in the mid-to-upper 90s, with the Reserve bottlings regularly reaching even higher acclaim.

Pride Mountain Vineyard Varietals

  • Cabernet Franc
  • Cabernet Sauvignon
  • Chardonnay
  • Merlot
  • Sangiovese
  • Syrah
  • Viognier

Click for a list of Wines by Pride Mountain Vineyards

The photo gallery below spans our visits in 2017 and 2026, capturing moments from both experiences.

A wooden wine barrel with metal bands, labeled 'Pride Mountain Vineyards' on the top, located in a dimly lit cellar.
A wooden wine barrel labeled 'Pride Mountain Vineyards 2013 Tronçais' with a candle holder on top, placed against a textured wall.
A group of eight people posing together outdoors in a scenic area with trees and a clear blue sky, dressed in casual winter clothing.
A group of people gathered around a wooden table outdoors, enjoying a wine tasting. Several wine glasses are filled with red wine, while one person is pouring wine into a glass. The setting features a sunny backdrop with trees in the distance.
Two bottles of 2023 Pride Merlot wine placed on a wooden barrel next to a wine corkscrew and a cork with the Pride label.
Scenic view of a vineyard with a pond, surrounded by lush greenery and blue sky.
Close-up of green grapevine leaves and tendrils in a vineyard setting.
A panoramic view of rolling green vineyards under a clear blue sky, framed by a large leafy tree and stone pillars with lights.
A hand pouring red wine from a bottle into a glass on a silver table, with a menu visible in the background.
A person holding a bottle of Pride Mountain Vineyards 2022 Cabernet Sauvignon, labeled 'The Summit'.

A few helpful notes from Pride Mountain Vineyards: the winery encourages guests to plan for a full day in the Spring Mountain District, where several exceptional wineries are nearby. Due to the remote mountain location, ride-share services such as Uber and Lyft are strongly discouraged, as return availability is limited. The winery recommends arranging a dedicated driver or transportation service for a seamless experience.

Visits are by appointment only, with a limited number of tastings offered each day to ensure an intimate guest experience. Advance reservations are required, and guests are encouraged to include all members of their party when booking to ensure proper accommodations.

(Source: Pride Mountain Vineyards Guest Experience Page)

I would be remiss not to thank John’s brother, James Patrin, for introducing us to Pride wines and to Tim Bouchet. That introduction has profoundly deepened our appreciation of wine and enriched our experiences in meaningful ways.

Pride Mountain Vineyards, a place that lingers long after you’ve left the mountain

Follow along with The Empty Nesters Kitchen on Instagram, Facebook, Threads, and X. Don’t miss my Empty Nesters Kitchen Travels Instagram account, now officially live. I’d love to see you there.

Looking for a birthday, hostess or holiday gift that’s a little different? Delight the food lover on your list with my Eat Your Words Puzzle Book, packed with clever word puzzles and foodie fun. Grab your copy on Amazon or if you live in the Twin Cities, head to the Westside Wine & Spirits Market, located in St. Louis Park.

A person holding the book 'Eat Your Words' in front of a large red crab statue, showcasing urban signage in a vibrant city setting.

“Farm to Table…Ocean to Fork…and Vineyard to Glass.  We cast our votes in favor of the planet one bite, one sip at a time” ~ Lisa Patrin

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