Spottswoode Winery
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Winery |
| Founded | 1882 |
| Founder | George Schonewald |
| Headquarters | St. Helena, California , United States |
Area served | Napa Valley |
Key people | Beth Novak Milliken (CEO), Linda Novak (Marketing Ambassador) |
| Products | Cabernet Sauvignon, Sauvignon Blanc, olive oil |
Spottswoode Estate Vineyard & Winery is situated just south of St. Helena, California, within the boundaries of the St. Helena AVA in the Napa Valley. Established in 1882, this winery primarily focuses on producing Cabernet Sauvignon and Sauvignon Blanc. As of 2021, the estate manages approximately 40 acres of vineyards, with an annual production close to 5,000 cases.
History
The estate was originally established in 1882 by George Schonewald, who acquired 31 acres as a seasonal residence and named it Lyndenhurst. Over time, ownership transferred multiple times. In 1884, Frank Kraft purchased a portion of the land, developed the vineyard, and constructed the original winery building still utilized today as a cellar. Subsequent proprietors included Joseph Bliss and Dr. George Allen before the property was renamed Spottswoode by the Spotts family.
In 1972, Mary Weber Novak and her spouse Dr. Jack Novak became owners of the estate. Following Jack’s passing in 1977, Mary oversaw production of the inaugural vintage in 1982, coinciding with the estate’s 100th anniversary. Spottswoode gained distinction as Napa Valley’s first vineyard to practice organic farming in 1985 and secured organic certification by 1992, with winemaking guidance from Tony Soter. The winery introduced Sauvignon Blanc production in 1984. The property endured major flood damage in 1986.
By 2010, annual output reached about 7,000 cases, with Cabernet Sauvignon accounting for approximately three-quarters of total production; additionally, handcrafted olive oil was marketed. Following Mary Weber Novak’s death in 2016, ownership transferred to her daughter Beth Novak Milliken, who has served as CEO since 2007. Her sister Linda fulfills the role of Marketing Ambassador.
Production and wines
Spottswoode cultivates Cabernet Sauvignon and Sauvignon Blanc in vineyards featuring a blend of sandy, clayey, gravelly, and loamy soils. The winemaking process utilizes both cement vats and stainless steel tanks, with malolactic fermentation occurring in barrels. Cabernet Sauvignon typically undergoes aging for about 22 months in French oak barrels, approximately 65% of which are new. Sauvignon Blanc is matured using a combination of stainless steel drums, concrete vessels shaped like eggs, and French oak barrels. As reported in 2021, roughly 40 acres are under vine cultivation, producing near 5,000 cases yearly. The estate holds B Corp certification and implements environmentally conscious practices such as extensive mesh canopies to shield vines from intense sunlight.
Lux magazine refers to Spottswoode’s wines as embodying "wine aristocracy." The 2001 Cabernet Sauvignon vintage, crafted under Rosemary Cakebread’s guidance, received acclaim from Forbes for its intricate bouquet and flavor profile. The 2017 Cabernet was noted for its harmonious structure and concentrated expression featuring rich fruit and spice elements. Spottswoode's Sauvignon Blanc is celebrated for its lively citrus character.