St. Helena · Napa Valley
Visit The Crane Assembly with a Private Chauffeur
The keepers of Dr. George Belden Crane's St. Helena vineyard, first planted in 1859 and still holding vines from 1885, and a suggested six-hour day of tasting around it.
Book a Six-Hour Wine Tour
About the Winery
Dr. George Belden Crane sailed around South America to San Francisco in 1853 and settled in St. Helena in 1859, where he bought more than 300 acres and planted European wine grapes at a time when many thought vines could not succeed here. The winery calls him one of Napa Valley's earliest winegrowing pioneers.
The G.B. Crane Vineyard is 6.5 acres on the alluvial fan of the Mayacamas Mountains in southern St. Helena. About four acres are old mixed black field blends, with plantings dating to 1885 and additions from the 1930s, alongside Cabernet Sauvignon, Petite Sirah and two rows of Merlot. The winery says this block has been farmed continuously for more than 165 years.
Vail Jr. and Leslie Miller lead The Crane Assembly, general manager Ryan Keith has been there since 2016, and Atelier Melka (Philippe Melka and Maayan Koschitzky) makes the wines: G.B. Crane Cabernet Sauvignon, the George field blend, Disciples and El Coco. Tastings are by appointment only; we arrange it on your behalf and confirm the place and any fee.
Tasting Fees
The Crane Assembly does not publish a tasting fee. The format and any fee are confirmed by the winery when the appointment is set.
Tasting fees as of September 2026. Wineries set and collect their own fees, and they change from time to time.
At a Glance
Location
St. Helena
AVA
St. Helena
Visiting
By appointment or private request only; we arrange it on your behalf. The winery takes requests by phone.
Known For
G.B. Crane Cabernet Sauvignon and the George field blend from one of Napa Valley's oldest vineyards
Founded
Vineyard first planted in 1859
Good to Know
Appointments depend on the team's schedule, so ask well ahead. Wine club members get guaranteed allocations and invitations to vineyard experiences.
A Suggested Six-Hour Day
Pickup at 10:00 a.m. from a nearby hotel such as Alila Napa Valley or Southbridge Napa Valley.
10:00 · Pickup at Alila Napa Valley or Southbridge Napa Valley
Alila Napa Valley and Southbridge Napa Valley, both at the south end of St. Helena, are each about 5 minutes from the vineyard. The day below fits a six-hour tour, and extra time can be added by the hour.
10:15 · The Crane Assembly
A private appointment, arranged on your behalf. We plan about an hour; the place, format and any fee are confirmed by the winery.
11:30 · Ink Grade
About 12 minutes away. A Howell Mountain vineyard first planted in the 1870s, poured at the Heitz Cellar Home Ranch on Taplin Road, with a tour of the Stone Cellar before a seated tasting of five wines. The Study of Mountain Terroir is $150 plus tax, 90 minutes to 2 hours. By appointment, seven days a week.
1:10 · Lunch at Auberge du Soleil
About 12 minutes away. Lunch high on Rutherford Hill with views across the valley. The Restaurant serves a prix fixe lunch on the terrace, and the Bar serves daily from 11:30 a.m. Prefer a picnic? We can arrange a catered picnic at a winery that allows one; the cost is quoted when you book.
2:15 · Sullivan Rutherford Estate
About 10 minutes away. A family estate on Galleron Road in Rutherford, where the Founder's Tasting begins with a guided walk through the vineyards and gardens and ends with a seated tasting of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot with cheese and charcuterie. $150; we plan about 90 minutes. By appointment.
3:45 · Back to your hotel
Back by about 3:55 p.m., within six hours of pickup.
About $300 per person in tasting fees for Ink Grade and Sullivan, paid directly to each winery, plus any fee The Crane Assembly sets for the appointment.
Three wineries is the right pace for a day of serious tasting. The fourth stop is there if the day allows.
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
Do I need a reservation at The Crane Assembly?
Yes. Tastings are by appointment only, arranged by phone with the winery. When you book a tour with us, your chauffeur makes the reservation for you.
How much is a tasting at The Crane Assembly?
The Crane Assembly does not publish a tasting fee; any fee is set by the winery when the appointment is confirmed, as of September 2026.
How old is the G.B. Crane Vineyard?
Dr. George Belden Crane first planted vines here in 1859. Some of today's field blend vines date to 1885, after phylloxera.
Who makes The Crane Assembly wines?
Atelier Melka, with Philippe Melka and Maayan Koschitzky.
Who owns The Crane Assembly?
Vail Jr. and Leslie Miller lead it; Ryan Keith is the general manager.
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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