677 St Helena Hwy, St Helena, CA 94574
Website: https://www.florasprings.com/
Located on busy Highway 29 in St. Helena, it’s hard to believe that Flora Springs’ tasting room is part of a historic ghost winery that has existed since before Prohibition. The modern exterior is so architecturally unique that it is difficult to explain. The tasting room which the winery simply calls “The Room” sits inside the wavy, irregular shaped stucco structure painted with tan stripes. There is an archway in the center that looks like an opening to a cave with glass doors leading into the tasting room. There is a painting of a woman (whom I thought looked like a Greek goddess or muse) reaching for grapes on each side of the entryway. The image is meant to represent owner Flora Komes. This same iconic figure is on the winery sign inviting visitors passing along Highway 29 and the wine label. The interior of the tasting room is bright and fun. To the left of the room is a long, curvy wine bar with dangling red lights overhead and wine bottles encased in lit-up boxes behind the bar. In the center of the room to the right is a separate hallway-like area with a long table that is set with chairs and wine glasses for private tastings. At the end of the wine bar, opposite from the entrance, are some stools and a couple of computers. The space reminded me of a mini-internet café. The fun continues outdoors to the Vineyard Courtyard picnic area and Rooftop Lounge where guests can sit and take in the surrounding vineyards.
Private tasting area at Flora Springs’ Tasting Room
There are a couple of reasons why I am a fan of this winery. First, I feel it has a good story to tell. The property was purchased by Jerry and Flora Komes in 1977. Jerry was in the construction business in San Francisco and Flora was a nurse. After many years of traveling all around the U.S. and overseas as part of Jerry’s work, the two of them were looking for a place to “kick off their boots”. They came upon this neglected ghost winery that was built before Prohibition by a couple of Scottish brothers. Flora had a love for gardening and fell in love with the property from the first time she saw it. When they purchased the property they had no intentions of starting a winery, and Flora claims she rarely drank wine. Their children saw the potential for making wine and convinced their parents to start a winery. The winery is now run by Jerry and Flora’s children and grandchildren. The name comes from owner Flora and for the natural springs on the winery property.
The second reason I really like this winery is because I think it has a fun atmosphere. The modern artistry makes it feel upbeat and the staff was very friendly. When our server saw I was taking notes on the wines and I mentioned I keep a journal on all the wineries I’ve been to he gave me some labels to take home with me. The outdoor area really made me feel very at ease. Besides the typical tasting, The Room offers food and wine pairings, box lunches or picnics in the courtyard, and private VIP tastings in the Lounge Cave Room. Guests could also venture a little ways down the road to The Estate and get a tour of the historic ghost winery and have lunch in the caves. Overall, I enjoyed the wines and was very pleased by the winery.
Outdoor patio behind Flora Springs Tasting Room