We give Freemark Abbey Winery stars: Yelp | Trip Advisor

The history of Freemark Abbey began in 1886, when Josephine Marlin Tychson became the first woman to build and operate a winery in California. The historic site where Josephine's winery, Tychson Cellars, once stood is now known as Freemark Abbey. Today Freemark Abbey is proud to continue the legacy of winemaking that Josephine began so many years ago.

Josephine, a native of San Lorenzo, California and her husband, John Tychson, a Danish immigrant, moved to St. Helena in 1881. They hoped that the Napa Valley's climate would help John, who suffered from tuberculosis. In addition, the couple decided to pursue their dream of making wine from their own vineyards. For $8,500, they purchased 147 acres north of St. Helena, which later became known as "Tychson Hill".

The first vineyards on the Tychson land were most likely planted in 1875, five or six years before the couple acquired the property. With only a horse and plow, the Tychsons began to expand these vineyards, adding approximately ten acres of vines each year.