In 1874 Jean Laurent, an immigrant from Bordeaux, France, started a winery near Calistoga. He built a 6,000-square-foot stone winery in 1879 that now, after numerous changes over the years, houses the chic modern tasting room and visitor center of Markham Winery.

Bruce Markham bought the Yountville Vineyard in 1975, the Calistoga Vineyard in 1976, and the old Laurent Winery in 1977. With many modern updates, the old stone building is a destination wine-tasting stop with a first-class gift shop, upstairs art gallery and VIP tasting programs. The room has a giant fireplace, a large angular tasting counter, hardwood floors and French doors leading out to one of two patios.

The winery produces richly flavored Bordeaux and Burgundian grape varieties, as well as Zinfandel, Petite Sirah and a Rose of Pinot Noir. Their flagship Merlot is from their Yountville and Oak Knoll vineyards.