Spottswoode is a family-owned historic estate, vineyard and winery located on the western edge of St. Helena in Napa Valley. The Victorian home, classic gardens, and vineyard that comprise the forty-six acre estate were established in 1882. Owner Mary Novak has lived at Spottswoode since 1972 when she and her late husband, Jack, moved their family to St. Helena. Mary established the winery in 1982 and today two of her five children - Beth Novak Milliken and Lindy Novak - assist her in its operation. The Estate Vineyard The estate vineyard is planted to Cabernet Sauvignon (33 acres), Cabernet Franc (1.5 acres) and Sauvignon Blanc (2.5 acres). David Abreu has managed the vineyard since 1985 and is assisted by Jose Luis Lopez, who has been with Spottswoode since 1982. Their combined 35 years of experience lends an historical perspective and an innate knowledge of the estate vineyard that allows for great quality and consistency. We have farmed organically since 1985, and we have been certified by the CCOF since 1990. Our vineyard offers an ideal terroir for the growing of wine grapes. According to Deborah Elliot-Fisk, Professor and Chair of the Wildlife, Fish and Conservation Biology Department at UC Davis, the characteristics of an ideal vineyard location include deep soils with good drainage, adequate water supply and a favorable microclimate. Our vineyard is situated on the apex of the Sulphur Creek fan. Our soils are thereby alluvial, comprised of a sandy clay loam which allows for both good drainage and water-retention. We are located at the base of the Mayacamas Range and Spring Mountain, and the gap that defines their convergence allows for the cooling maritime influence to temper the sun's warmth, creating a unique microclimate. The Estate Winery The estate winery consists of two historic buildings (c. 1884) - a Victorian farmhouse which serves as our office and a pre-prohibition stone cellar where our Cabernet Sauvignon is barrel aged - and a new winery constructed in 1999. Its completion signifies an important step in Spottswoode's evolution, as it was designed and equipped to enable us to handle our fruit in a manner optimal for our handcrafted style.