A pillar of Napa Valley’s past and a lighthouse for its future, Spottswoode Estate is tucked away in the western reaches of St. Helena, surrounded by the Mayacamas Mountains and shaded by the magnificent trees that border Madrona Avenue. Since the first vines were planted on its lush soil in 1882, Spottswoode has been more than just a winery; it represents a continuity of stewardship, family, and location. With a strong dedication to sustainability, authenticity, and quality, it has transformed over the years from a historic estate into one of Napa’s most prestigious Cabernet Sauvignon growers.
History of the Winery
The origins of Spottswoode Estate begin in 1882, when German immigrant George Schonewald established a vineyard and built the Victorian home that still stands today. In 1910, the property was renamed “Spottswoode” by Mrs. Albert Spotts, a nod to her husband’s legacy, and the name has endured as a symbol of place and continuity. However, it wasn’t until 1972 that the modern era of Spottswoode began, when Mary and Jack Novak purchased the estate. At the time, the vineyards were neglected and the house in disrepair, but Mary Novak saw its potential. She replanted the vines, resurrected the land’s viticultural purpose, and laid the foundation for a new legacy.
Spottswoode Estate Vineyard & Winery
1902 Madrona Avenue, St. Helena, CA 94574, USA
📞 +1 (707) 963-0134
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In 1982, exactly one hundred years after the estate’s founding, the Novak family released their first vintage under the Spottswoode label. Following Jack’s passing in 1977, Mary became one of Napa Valley’s pioneering women winery owners, leading Spottswoode with a quiet strength and unwavering vision. Today, her daughters Beth and Lindy Novak continue that legacy, shaping the estate with a modern sensibility rooted in family, environmental stewardship, and the pursuit of purity in wine.
Spottswoode is also a leader in sustainable and organic viticulture. The estate vineyards have been certified organic since 1992, well before such practices became widespread. In 2010, Spottswoode joined the Napa Green program, integrating broader ecological strategies into their farming and winery operations. This deep-rooted ethos of responsibility to land and community has positioned Spottswoode as a model of thoughtful winegrowing in California.
The People
Spottswoode is a deeply personal project, guided by a family ethos and enriched by a dedicated team of professionals. Beth Novak Milliken, Mary Novak’s eldest daughter, serves as President and CEO. Since joining the estate in 1987, Beth has become a respected voice in Napa Valley, advocating for sustainable practices and community engagement. Her sister, Lindy Novak, has led the winery’s marketing efforts since 1992, infusing Spottswoode with a compelling blend of tradition and openness to innovation.
At the helm of winemaking is Aron Weinkauf, who began at Spottswoode in 2006 and was named Winemaker and Vineyard Manager in 2011. Aron brings a thoughtful, detail-oriented philosophy to both vineyard and cellar, ensuring a seamless translation of terroir into bottle. His approach emphasizes minimal intervention, gentle handling, and a precise expression of vintage and place. Also integral to the team is Assistant Winemaker Melinda Kearney and Director of Sales & Hospitality Jill Klein Matthiasson, who each bring decades of experience and passion to their respective roles.
The human heartbeat of Spottswoode is one of integrity, long-term thinking, and a reverence for nature. Their decisions—whether regarding organic farming, solar power installations, or community philanthropy—consistently reflect a forward-thinking, inclusive ethos rarely matched in the world of fine wine.
Vineyards & Terroir
Spottswoode’s 40-acre estate vineyard lies in the heart of St. Helena, an appellation within the greater Napa Valley AVA known for its warm days, cool nights, and gravelly loam soils. This east-facing vineyard benefits from morning sun and afternoon shade, allowing the grapes to ripen slowly and evenly—a factor that contributes to the remarkable balance found in Spottswoode’s wines.
The soils here are predominantly alluvial, composed of loam, clay, and gravel, offering excellent drainage and encouraging deep root growth. The estate is planted primarily to Cabernet Sauvignon, with smaller blocks of Sauvignon Blanc and other Bordeaux varietals. In addition to their estate vineyard, Spottswoode also sources grapes from a selection of trusted growers in Napa Valley, chosen for their organic practices and alignment with the winery’s quality standards.
Spottswoode’s commitment to the land is reflected in their extensive sustainability efforts, including biodynamic farming trials, habitat restoration for beneficial insects and birds, and the use of renewable energy sources. As climate change continues to reshape California’s wine landscape, Spottswoode remains agile and proactive, ensuring their vineyards can thrive for generations to come.
Wine Portfolio
Spottswoode’s wine portfolio is refined, focused, and consistently exceptional. Their flagship wine, the Spottswoode Estate Cabernet Sauvignon, is one of Napa Valley’s most celebrated wines, praised for its elegance, aromatic depth, and age-worthiness. This wine is made exclusively from estate-grown fruit, fermented with native yeasts, and aged in French oak barrels—typically 60% to 70% new—for around 20 months. It is a benchmark expression of St. Helena terroir, combining structure and finesse with a deep core of black fruit, graphite, and floral notes.
The Lyndenhurst Cabernet Sauvignon, named after a historic name for the property, offers a more approachable style, blending estate fruit with grapes from select vineyards across Napa Valley. It showcases the Spottswoode style in a slightly more generous, earlier-drinking expression.
Equally compelling is the Spottswoode Sauvignon Blanc, a bright, mineral-driven white made from organically farmed fruit sourced from both the estate and trusted growers. Fermented in a mix of stainless steel, French oak, concrete eggs, and amphorae, this wine is a crisp yet layered example of California Sauvignon Blanc, with citrus, stone fruit, and herbal nuances.
Production is intentionally limited, with a focus on purity, balance, and transparency. Every bottle is a study in restraint and refinement, made to age gracefully while remaining expressive in youth.
Tasting Notes: A Glimpse into Spottswoode’s Cellar
2010 Spottswoode Estate Cabernet Sauvignon
A classic vintage with remarkable poise. Aromas of graphite, blackcurrant, cedar, and violets lead into a finely structured palate layered with cassis, tobacco leaf, and dried herbs. Still vibrant, with a firm spine of acidity and beautifully integrated tannins. Drinking beautifully now but will continue to evolve. 90 corked Points
2013 Spottswoode Estate Cabernet Sauvignon
Powerful yet composed, the 2013 offers dense blackberry, espresso, and dark chocolate aromas, wrapped in velvety tannins and a long, mineral-driven finish. A benchmark vintage for Napa and for Spottswoode—majestic and cellar-worthy. 92 corked Points
2016 Lyndenhurst Cabernet Sauvignon
Generous and polished, with a plush texture and notes of ripe plum, red currant, baking spices, and mocha. A more approachable and open-knit style, offering immediate appeal without sacrificing depth or character. 91 corked Points
2018 Spottswoode Estate Sauvignon Blanc
Crisp, floral, and vividly fresh. Lemon zest, white peach, and green fig weave through a textured mouthfeel, lifted by bright acidity and a saline finish. Fermented partially in amphora and concrete, giving it purity and finesse. 94 corked Points
2021 Spottswoode Estate Cabernet Sauvignon (barrel sample)
Still youthful but already expressive, with lifted aromas of crushed blackberries, violets, and graphite. The palate is vibrant and structured, showing precision and restraint. A wine of clarity and promise, likely to rank among the estate’s finest in the coming decade. 94 corked Points
