Some wineries are easy to find and at times easy to forget. Smith-Madrone is neither. Actually, the signage to this out-of-the-way winery off Spring Mountain Road is good, but their wines are even better.

The small, rustic boutique winery is found at the end of a long dirt road on a wooded hillside overlooking the northern Napa Valley. The vine-covered winery was built by hand using stones and lumber from the property. The cellar and the main floor house French and American barrels, the lab, tasting room and office. It is a simple affair, with a casual atmosphere and personality to match.

Charles F. Smith III is the winemaker for Smith-Madrone Vineyards & Winery. His brother, Stuart Smith, is the vineyard manager and general manager. Charles is a top-level croquet player and has represented the United States numerous times in international competitions. Stuart is well known and often sought out for his leadership and expertise as a mountain vineyardist. Together they form an outspoken duo that is sure to entertain visitors who venture to this unique spot.

All the wines are made from the winery's own estate vineyards on the steep mountainsides surrounding the winery. Partly planted as a vineyard over a century ago, the 200-acre ranch grows Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay and Riesling. The winemaking style uses both old-world and modern techniques, with each wine subjected to a minimal amount of handling.