"At the end of the day when all of this work is done, I will have a glass of wine that came from my hands and my land and it will speak for all that I am and all that this land has ever been, and it will be eternal."
~ Bryant Morris
|
Aetna Springs, a significant 672-acre site, is nestled amid vineyard-covered hillsides, heritage-oak woodlands, stream-fed fishing ponds and natural springs. Its park-like grounds and an abundance of natural resources mark its romantic, historic ambiance. The text below contains a short history of the resort. We would like to thank Bob Weisgerber from Golf Today Magazine for providing much of this historical background.
Following the Civil War, a quicksilver (mercury) mine was opened in Pope Valley with a rutted, steep wagon track built across the mountain in order to transport the ore to Calistoga. From Calistoga, a new railroad connected the Napa Valley with the rest of the Bay Area. As the quicksilver operation burrowed deeper, disaster struck when hot water from underground springs burst into the mines and flooded them.
The mining came to a stop, but it was soon realized the hot springs would make an excellent destination for vacationers. The old wagon track was made accessible for horse drawn carriages. To accommodate the visitors construction began on a number of large buildings including a several residences, a dining hall, a drinking hall (called Soda Fountain), and even a ballroom. It wasn't long before wealthy folks from the Bay Area were making Aetna Springs Resort an "in" place to go. Activities included everything from full dress banquets and dances to donkey riding.
In the 1890s, golf became the social rage of the Bay Area. Aetna Springs picked up on the fad, and a few golf holes were designed and built on the grounds surrounding the resort.
The ensuing history of the Aetna Springs Golf Course is murky, due largely to a fire that destroyed many of the resort's records. But what is evident is the course's first four holes may date back to 1891, which would make it one of the oldest golf facilities in California. What has never been in doubt is the unsurpassed beauty of the venerable resort's 672 acres. Revered for its rustic natural beauty, the resort is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and is a true treasure of the Napa Valley. Click here to learn more about the Aetna Springs Golf Course.
By the 1970s, many of Aetna Springs' grand old buildings had decayed to the point of near collapse, and by the middle of the decade the resort was purchased by a radical religious organization know as the Moonies. This unfortunately dampened community interest in preserving the resort and golf course, and Aetna Springs fell into further decline.
Fortunately Bryant Morris, noted Developer of water parks and shopping centers, acquired the property in 1997 and began restorations on a number of the buildings including the Social Hall, Dining Hall and many of the smaller cabins. Bryant hopes to one day completely restore the resort to its original splendor.
Along with the restoration, Bryant has planted 24 acres of vineyards, which include Sauvignon Blanc, Cabernet Sauvignon and Petite Sirah, all of which are well suited to the Pope Valley appellation.
It is from these vineyards that Flying Horse Wine was birthed. The name was chosen based on Bryant's love of vintage carousel horses and their careful restoration. Like the carousel horse, each of our wines is meticulously hand-crafted and accurately expresses the terroir of the Flying Horse vineyards. |
HISTORY |
BIOS |
CAROUSEL HORSES
