Spottswoode

Established in 1882, Spottswoode Estate is distinguished by the pre-Prohibition Victorian home depicted on their wine label. Spottswoode was christened by Mrs. Albert Spotts in 1910 and later acquired by Mary and Jack Novak in 1972. Mary released Spottswoode’s first Cabernet Sauvignon in 1982, exactly one hundred years after the estate’s founding. Today, Mary’s daughter Beth Novak Milliken manages the winery, and her daughter Lindy Novak serves as the winery’s Marketing Ambassador. Every year Spottswoode releases an Estate Cabernet Sauvignon and an Estate Sauvignon Blanc. In addition, Spottswoode produces a Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon called Lyndenhurst, a dual-appellation Spottswoode Sauvignon Blanc, and a limited-production Field Book Syrah. Committed to producing wines with integrity that faithfully reflect their grape origins, Spottswoode wines are especially known for their refined elegance, balance, and classic structure. Situated on the western edge of St. Helena at the foot of the Mayacamas mountains, the Spottswoode terroir is ideal for growing fine wine grapes. The alluvial clay loam from the Sulphur Creek fan provides superb drainage while cool maritime breezes passing through the gap between Spring Mountain and the Mayacamas range, allow the fruit to ripen slowly. Spottswoode's forty-two acres are planted primarily to Cabernet Sauvignon, with small blocks of Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, and Sauvignon Blanc. They have farmed their grapes organically since 1985, and the vineyard was certified organic (CCOF) in 1992. The roles of winemaking and vineyard management are integrated at Spottswoode, and the individual attention given to each vineyard block contributes to the consistent quality and unique characteristics of their wines. The Estate has three historic buildings that were originally built circa 1884–1885. The Colonial Revival-style residence, with its famous “Spottswoode” arch over the stone pillar entry, is surrounded by formal gardens with plants that date back to the 1880s. The Victorian farmhouse serves as an office and tasting room, and the Kraft Cellar is a pre-Prohibition stone building where the Cabernet Sauvignon is barrel-aged. In 1999, Howard Backen designed the new winery in a style that honors the historic nature of our buildings. Spottswoode is among the first wineries to have adopted organics in the Napa Valley. They began farming our vineyard organically in 1985 and acquired California Certified Organic Farmers (CCOF) certification in 1992. Working closely with biodynamic specialists enables our farming to promote a living, breathing ecosystem.