The Mountain Winery history
The Mountain Winery in Saratoga is the historic mountain property associated with Paul Masson and La Cresta. It is a different place from Almaden’s historic valley site and from Mount Eden Vineyards.
- Place
- Saratoga, in the hills above the Santa Clara ValleyNational Park Service
- Historical designation
- California Historical Landmark No.733California Office of Historic Preservation
- Names to follow
- Paul Masson, La Cresta and the Mountain WineryNational Park Service; venue history
From a wine estate to a gathering place
The National Park Service describes the mountain winery as a place where Masson centered sparkling-wine production and entertained at his home, the Chateau. The venue’s own history carries the story forward into its life as a place for music and gatherings. Following both accounts helps connect the wine estate with the property visitors know today.
Why several dates may appear in the story
Buying land, planting vines, constructing a cellar and opening a building are different events. A date attached to one should not automatically become the date for all of them. The same care applies to a building rebuilt after an earthquake: the property, surviving materials and later structure may have different histories.
Mountain Winery, Mount Eden and Almaden are distinct places
Masson’s story crosses more than one property. Mount Eden’s own history describes Martin Ray’s move to a separate neighboring mountain estate. Almaden’s landmark record identifies another historic site in the valley. Family, business and vineyard connections do not make these places interchangeable.
Visiting today
For current concerts, tours, wine tasting, parking and accessibility, use the Mountain Winery’s official website. Viniside focuses on the historical questions and is not the venue’s box office. A present-day visit can be a good starting point for asking which buildings, views and place names belong to which period.
Common questions
Was the Mountain Winery Paul Masson’s winery?
Yes. The National Park Service identifies it with Paul Masson’s mountain winemaking and the estate known as La Cresta. That historic property should be distinguished from later products using the Masson name.
Is the Mountain Winery the same as Mount Eden?
No. They are separate estates. Mount Eden’s published history connects the two through Paul Masson and Martin Ray, while describing a different mountain property.
Sources and further reading
- National Park Service: Paul Masson Mountain Winery
- California Office of Historic Preservation: Landmark 733
- Mountain Winery: History and legacy; official visitor information
- Mount Eden Vineyards: Our story
Public reference points checked for this guide. A later institutional or brand history does not resolve every historical claim. See our approach to evidence and corrections.
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