Mountain Winery has been a fixture of the California wine scene for more than 100 years, but its roots extend across both centuries and seas. Before the renowned Paul Masson founded the winery in 1901, he grew up a member of a prominent winemaking family in the Burgundy region of France, where he learned techniques and processes he'd later import to Saratoga. One special technique—known as "grafting"—permitted him to transplant vines typically grown in France to the shale soil of the mountainside, where it would otherwise immediately turn into a tumbleweed and roll into the nearest saloon. The soil proved perfect for growing Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, two Burgundy styles the winery continues to grow today just as Masson did in the early 20th century.

Masson's other love—entertaining—became a winery tradition as well. In his heyday, he would host many of California's movers and shakers during wine-fueled extravaganzas complete with sumptuous food spreads and live music. Later, in 1958, the the winery constructed a concert bowl and began hosting the now well-known Concert Summer Series. The stage has since hosted legendary musical acts such as Diana Ross, Willie Nelson, and Ray Charles, with the Spanish portal providing a dramatic backdrop.