Howell Mountain · Napa Valley
Visit Mars Estate with a Private Chauffeur
A Lamborn-planted vineyard at 2,200 feet on the peak of Howell Mountain, now farmed organically with Steve Matthiasson and made by Heidi Barrett. Mars Estate 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
Mars Estate is a new name on an old vineyard. The vines at the peak of Howell Mountain were planted by the Lamborn family in the late 1960s, and the current owners became their stewards in 2022. The inaugural vintage was 2022, and Heidi Barrett, one of California's most celebrated winemakers, makes the wine. She has known the site for more than twenty years.
The seven acres sit at 2,200 feet, above the fog on a precipice over Pope Valley, on rhyolite, a hard volcanic bedrock; about forty inches down runs a seam of green alkaline clay left by an ancient hydrothermal lake. Viticulturist Steve Matthiasson leads the farming, organic since 2022 and now certified, and older blocks are being replanted, starting with the old Zinfandel.
Production is around 800 cases a year of Cabernet Sauvignon, aged in Taransaud and Radoux barrels, plus a 2025 Chardonnay from Lafranchi Vineyard in the Russian River Valley. James Suckling called the flagship 'an iron fist in a velvet glove.' The wines are sold by allocation, and Mars Estate publishes no tours or tastings, so the day below visits three estates nearby that do.
Tasting Fees
Mars Estate 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
1984 Summit Lake Drive, Angwin
AVA
Howell Mountain
Visiting
Mars Estate publishes no tours or tastings; the wines are sold by allocation to members through its website.
Known For
Howell Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon made by Heidi Barrett
Founded
2022 (current owners; vineyard first planted by the Lamborn family in the late 1960s)
Good to Know
Join the allocation on marsestates.com to be offered each release. Buyers must be 21 or older.
A Suggested Six-Hour Day
Pickup at 9:55 a.m. from a nearby hotel such as Meadowood or Alila Napa Valley.
9:55 · Pickup at Meadowood or Alila Napa Valley
Since Mars Estate does not host visitors, this day takes you to three sought-after estates nearby that do. O'Shaughnessy is about 20 minutes up Howell Mountain from Meadowood and about 25 from Alila Napa Valley in St. Helena. The day runs about six and three-quarter hours, and extra time can be added by the hour.
10:30 · O'Shaughnessy Estate Winery
About 25 minutes up the mountain. A family estate on Howell Mountain where the Cave Tour and Tasting walks you through the cave and winery before a seated flight at the table, $75 and about 90 minutes. By reservation; times vary by day and often book several weeks out.
12:30 · Lunch at Farmstead at Long Meadow Ranch
About 30 minutes down the mountain. Lunch at Farmstead, Long Meadow Ranch's farm-to-table restaurant at the south end of St. Helena, open daily for lunch. Prefer a picnic? We can arrange a catered picnic at a winery that allows one; the cost is quoted when you book.
2:00 · Bevan Cellars
About 12 minutes away. Russell Bevan's single-vineyard Napa Cabernets, poured at Brasswood north of St. Helena. The Bordeaux Tasting of five reds, including a library selection when available, is $125, about 75 minutes. By appointment, Tuesday to Saturday; we book the 2 p.m. seating.
3:25 · Lang & Reed Napa Valley
About 8 minutes away. A family winery devoted to Cabernet Franc and Chenin Blanc, with seated tastings on the front porch and in the wine garden of the Spring House in downtown St. Helena. The Trademark Tasting is $75, about an hour. By appointment, for up to 6 guests.
4:25 · Back to your hotel
Back by about 4:40 p.m., about six and three-quarter hours after pickup.
About $275 per person in tasting fees for the three wineries, paid directly to each winery.
Bevan Cellars pours Tuesday to Saturday, and O'Shaughnessy's times vary by day and often book several weeks out, so we set the day around their openings. The day runs about six and three-quarter hours.
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 Mars Estate?
No. Mars Estate publishes no tours or tastings, as of September 2026. We can plan a day at nearby estates that do host.
How can I buy Mars Estate wine?
By allocation through marsestates.com; join to be offered each release.
Who makes Mars Estate wine?
Heidi Barrett makes the wine, and viticulturist Steve Matthiasson leads the farming.
Where is Mars Estate?
At 1984 Summit Lake Drive near Angwin, at about 2,200 feet on the peak of Howell Mountain, above Pope Valley.
Who planted the Mars Estate vineyard?
The Lamborn family, in the late 1960s. The current owners have farmed it organically since 2022.
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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