Spottswoode

Founded in 1882, Spottswoode Estate is distinguished by the pre-Prohibition Victorian home depicted on our wine label. Spottswoode was baptized in 1910 by Mrs. Albert Spotts 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 was founded.

Today, Mary's daughter Beth Novak Milliken manages the winery and daughter Lindy Novak is 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 double appellation Spottswoode Sauvignon Blanc, and a limited edition Field Book Syrah. Committed to producing wines with integrity that faithfully reflect their grape origins, Spottswoode wines are best known for their refined elegance, balance and classic structure.
Our family has been growing wine grapes on our historic Spottswoode estate since 1972 and making our own wines since 1982. As custodians of our land, we strive for an elegant, balanced and age-appropriate style that captures the character of the vintage and the complexity of our legendary estate vineyard.

Spottswoode Estate in Napa Valley dates back to 1882, but it wasn't really until 1972 when Jack and Mary Novak took over the historic St. Helena estate. The qualities of the wines then began to reach the top level. Some even argue that their wine adventure and success came about by accident. The fact is, however, that they wanted a more rural life for their family, which consisted of two adults and five children. So they moved from San Diego to Spottswoode Estate and planted Cabernet Sauvignon grapes in the estate's vineyards. They had now become winemakers, selling their Cabernet Sauvignon and Saugvignon Blanc to Heitz, Duckhorn, Robert Mondavi and Caymus. All very iconic names in California's wine mecca.

After Jack's death in 1977, Mary devoted herself to winemaking and would become one of the foremost winemakers in Napa Valley. Especially when she chose to produce her own Cabernet Sauvignon wine from the spectacular Spottswoode vineyards. In 1982 she hired winemaker Tony Soter to help her make high quality wine. The rest is beautiful history wrapped in high scores.

Located on the western edge of St. Helena at the foot of the Mayacamas Mountains, Spottswoode's terroir is ideal for growing fine wine grapes. The alluvial clay loam of the Sulfur Creek fan provides excellent drainage, while the cool sea breeze passing through the gap between Spring Mountain and the Mayacamas Mountains slowly ripens the fruit.

The forty-two hectares are mainly planted with Cabernet Sauvignon, with small blocks of Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot and Sauvignon Blanc. They have been growing 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 paid to each vineyard block contributes to the wines' consistent quality and unique characteristics.