The Vines of St. Helena: Spottswoode

Originally published in the St. Helena Star |

1. When was your winery founded?

“1982.”

2. Why did you choose to be in the St. Helena American Viticultural Area (AVA)?

“By pure serendipity and luck, my parents found the Spottswoode Estate in St. Helena and moved our family here from Southern California in 1972. Thus, we became stewards of an amazing, historic winegrowing estate in this special spot.”

3. Who is owner? Who is winemaker? Who is vineyard manager?

“I am a proprietor and the CEO of Spottswoode, along with my siblings. Aron Weinkauf is our winemaker and vineyard manager.”

4. How many acres do you farm in the St. Helena AVA? How does that break down into types of varietals?

“37.5 acres. That includes 20 blocks of Cabernet Sauvignon, four blocks of Cabernet Franc, one block of Petit Verdot, and two blocks of Sauvignon Blanc.”

5. Do you farm sustainably/organically/biodynamically?

“Yes, we are leaders in this space. We began farming organically in 1985 and were CCOF (California Certified Organic Farmers) certified in 1992. We have continued to build on our commitment to the land and community over the past four decades. We farm and are certified biodynamic and just received our Regenerative Organic certification this past spring.”

6. Please describe your vineyards, etc.

“Alluvial soils, spacing is mostly 5 by 7 feet, V trellis, irrigated carefully and as needed.”

7. Wineries today try to differentiate the visitor experience. What’s unique about visiting your winery/tasting room?

“Rooted deeply in Napa Valley history, winegrowing, and agricultural heritage, a visit to Spottswoode is an intimate experience that showcases our commitment to growing and crafting three exceptional wines each vintage that authentically express both time and place.”

8. What might surprise people to learn about you/your winery/your operation?

“We were the first B Corp winery in Napa Valley.”

9. What is special about the St. Helena AVA?

“It is the historic heart of Napa Valley winegrowing, along with Rutherford. An incredible diversity of soils and exposures from north to south, east to west.”

10. What’s your favorite place in St. Helena to eat, drink or relax?

“It is so nice to relax and enjoy wine and a meal on the back terrace at Spottswoode, looking out over the vineyard. Relaxation, for me, at least, is found in walking around the vineyard with Nala and taking my mountain bike up every mountain road in the vicinity of St. Helena. ”

(This is part of a series of Q&A articles highlighting winemakers and grape growers in the St. Helena Appellation.)

Spottswoode