Extreme Inspiration

Rising high above the early morning fog, the sun's rays touch the top of a majestic Napa Valley mountain - Mount St. Helena.  This volcanic mountain gave to the indigenous inhabitants of the valley, rich soils, volcanic ash and obsidian.  Arrow heads and beads made of obsidian made the indigenous people rich - the basalt rock was perfect for making a mortar and pestle.  The Wappo Indians enjoyed strong trading power with neighboring tribes.

Robert Louis Stephenson spent his honeymoon on Mount St. Helena. While there he wrote the book Silverado Squatters.

Ever wonder how the mountain's name came to be?  It's an inspiring story; Russian Princess Helena Gagarin broke with tradition and eloped with a hunter, adventurer, and explorer named Alexander G. Rotchev.  Alexander, a handsome poet, fell in love with the beautiful golden haired Princess Elena.  Rotchev was the last commander at Fort Ross located on the Sonoma Coast. His wife moved with him to Fort Ross in 1839 where for three years they entertained dignitaries and raised a family.

Rumor has it that Chief Solano was besotten wih the beautiful Princess Helena.  So much so, that Alexander sought the "courtesies" of General Vallejo in this matter.  General Vallejo, a friend to both men, explained to Chief Solano that his advances to the Princess were not welcome.  In appreciation of the General's intervention, the Rotchev's presented him with a gift of a silver chest, full of Russian silverware.  You can see some pieces of this silver at General Vallejo's home in Sonoma, California.

With a passionate love for his wife, during his last year as commander in 1841, Alexander Rotchev braved the huge "Devil Mountain" (as it was known then), and hiked to the top.  There he layed down two bronze plaques which to this day remain, bearing his and Helena's names.  The mountain would forevermore be called Mount St. Helena.

We owe a debt of gratitude to the Rotchev's, who brought with them from Russia their love of refinement.  An invitation to a party at Fort Ross was highly coveted.  Guests knew that the best French Bordeaux's would be served.

Today you no longer need to import good Bordeaux wines from France.   The Napa Valley holds it's own and Cabernet Sauvignon is king.  Next time you have a glass, toast to the Rotchev's, namesake of Mount St. Helena.

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