Rutherford · Napa Valley
Visit GRO with a Private Chauffeur
Small-lot, single-vineyard Napa wines from winemakers Lars Bjorkman and Molly Hill, inspired by summers in Sweden. GRO does not receive visitors; here is what to know, and a day at sought-after estates nearby that do host.
Book a Six-Hour Wine Tour
About the Winery
GRO is the label of winemaker Lars Bjorkman, who grew up among the table grape and raisin vineyards of Fresno in a family that had just arrived from Sweden. He studied viticulture and enology at UC Davis and has worked at Gloria Ferrer, Flora Springs, BRL Hardy in Australia and Saddleback Cellars in Oakville. Childhood summers in Sweden, with crayfish, wild mushrooms and blueberries, shaped how he thinks about flavor and place.
His wife, Molly Hill, also a UC Davis graduate, was the winemaker at Sequoia Grove in Rutherford for many years after stints at Domaine Carneros and Sea Smoke. Together they make small lots of single-vineyard wine from Napa Valley sites such as the Polaris Vineyard on Howell Mountain, with its red clay and volcanic ash, and the Ruhl Vineyard on Mount Veeder, a Chardonnay site at about 1,000 feet.
The family lives in Calistoga and spends summers near Stockholm. GRO makes only a limited amount of wine, and the way in is to sign the guest book on the website for first access to new releases. The winery lists only a post office box in Rutherford and publishes no tasting program, so it does not host visitors. The day below takes you to three sought-after estates nearby that do, starting on Howell Mountain.
Tasting Fees
GRO does not offer tastings.
Tasting fees as of September 2026. Wineries set and collect their own fees, and they change from time to time.
At a Glance
Location
Rutherford
AVA
Napa Valley
Visiting
GRO does not host visitors; it publishes no tasting program and lists only a post office box in Rutherford.
Known For
Small-lot, single-vineyard Napa Valley wines, including Howell Mountain reds and Mount Veeder Chardonnay
Founded
Founding year not published
Good to Know
Sign the guest book on growines.com for first access to new releases. Contact Lars@growines.com or 707-225-1642.
A Suggested Six-Hour Day
Pickup at 9:40 a.m. from a nearby hotel such as Meadowood or Harvest Inn.
9:40 · Pickup at Meadowood or Harvest Inn
Since GRO does not host visitors, this day takes you to three sought-after estates nearby that do, starting on Howell Mountain, where GRO sources fruit. We pick up at 9:40 for Bravante's 10 a.m. seating: Meadowood is about 20 minutes away, and we collect Harvest Inn guests a few minutes earlier. The day runs about six and three-quarter hours, and extra time can be added by the hour.
10:00 · Bravante Vineyards
About 20 minutes away. A small family estate on Howell Mountain with a private tasting cave and a patio looking over the vines. The private Estate Tour and Tasting is $75, about 90 minutes, for up to 8 guests. By appointment daily, with seatings at 10 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m.
11:55 · Lunch at The Charter Oak
About 25 minutes away. Lunch at The Charter Oak in St. Helena, a sit-down restaurant cooking over an open hearth, open daily from 11:30 a.m. (brunch from 11 a.m. on weekends). Prefer a picnic? We can arrange a catered picnic at a winery that allows one; the cost is quoted when you book.
1:20 · Zakin Estate
About 8 minutes away. Howell Mountain Cabernet made by Philippe Melka from a 150-acre estate, tasted with charcuterie at Brasswood. The tasting is $150 per person, with a three-bottle-per-person purchase requested; we allow about an hour. By appointment with Jan Zakin.
2:40 · The Vineyardist
About 18 minutes away. An 1879 Diamond Mountain homestead where every tasting is private, in the estate salon with a seasonal cheese plate. The Signature Tasting is $195, 60 to 75 minutes. By reservation only; days and times are confirmed when we book.
4:00 · Back to your hotel
Back by about 4:25 p.m., about six and three-quarter hours after pickup.
About $420 per person in tasting fees for the three wineries, paid directly to each winery.
Bravante seats tastings at set times, so we book the 10 a.m. seating. The Vineyardist confirms its time when we book. Back by about 4:25 p.m.
Every tour is custom. This day is a starting point: your chauffeur will shape it around what matters to you, and we plan multi-day tours for guests who want to see more of wine country.
Your Vehicle & Six-Hour Tour Rates
Up to 6 guests
Elite Luxury SUV
Lincoln Navigator or Cadillac Escalade
From $750
Six-hour wine tour, plus 20% gratuity. Additional hours $125 each.
Up to 9 guests
Jet Sprinter or Executive Luxury Van
Captain's chairs and room to spread out
From $1,350
Six-hour wine tour, plus 20% gratuity. Additional hours $225 each.
Larger groups travel in more than one vehicle, and we plan the winery appointments around your group, since many wineries limit groups to 6 to 8 guests. Tasting fees are separate and paid directly to each winery. Every tour starts with six hours; add time by the hour when you book.
Questions
Can you visit GRO Wines?
No. GRO has no tasting room and publishes no visiting program, as of September 2026. We can plan a day at nearby estates that do host.
How can I buy GRO wine?
Sign the guest book on growines.com for first access to the limited releases.
Who makes GRO wine?
Proprietor and winemaker Lars Bjorkman, with his wife, winemaker Molly Hill.
Where is GRO?
The winery lists a post office box in Rutherford. Its fruit comes from vineyards such as Polaris on Howell Mountain and Ruhl on Mount Veeder.
What does the name GRO reflect?
The winery does not explain the name, but its wines are inspired by Lars Bjorkman's Swedish family and childhood summers in Sweden.
How does booking a tour with Bien Chauffeured work?
Reserve a six-hour tour online, even if your plans are still taking shape. Your chauffeur will email you first to learn what matters to you, then build your itinerary and make the winery appointments. Extra hours can be added.
Reserve Your Tour Now, Plan the Details Later
Your plans don't need to be final to book. Reserve your six-hour tour online, and your chauffeur will email you first to learn what matters to you, then build your itinerary and make the winery appointments. Prefer to talk? Call our concierge at 888-291-2328.
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