“Went to a Garden Party” — No Ricky Nelson, but Great Wine at Spottswoode!
The story behind Spottswoode Estate Vineyard & Winery tells the story of a remarkable journey, to say the least. It’s a world-class winery as the result of dedication, drive, and hard work. Mary Novak is worthy of anyone’s respect given the challenges she faced to bring this vineyard and winery to fruition, making it one of the most notable names in the Valley. Having moved to Napa in the early ‘70s with her husband, just five years later, she found herself facing the future alone with five children to raise. Shortly after the start of their journey together in the valley, her husband Jack suddenly passed. Her decision was to stay, raise her family in St. Helena, and build the winery. And we are all glad she did.
Last year, Mary and her family celebrated their 30/40 anniversary — forty years since they arrived to restore the property and thirty years since their first wine, a cabernet sauvignon, was produced. This winery has developed a fine history of accomplishment.
Once a year, Spottswoode hosts a garden party on the grounds of Mary Novak’s home, which is down the street from the winery. This is by-invitation only and quite a wonderful event. There are four wines produced on the estate, and the party we attended is a celebration and pick up event for purchases. On this day, there were six wines to be tasted and enjoyed. There was fine food, soothing music, current releases and library wines to be enjoyed. Who could ask for more?
The experience started with the 2012 Sauvignon Blanc (which I am told is a special favorite of Mary’s). The next wine offered is a relative newcomer to the line-up – a Syrah based wine called Field Blend. There was also the Lyndenhurst Cabernet and then different vintages of their flagship Spottswoode Cabernet. This winery and, most notably, the flagship wine have an outstanding history of quality. The wines are well-crafted and a true expression of the vines.
Here’s a picture of a vine planted in 1991. Have you ever wondered how many bottles of wine a wine maker can get from one vine??
Each vine will produce 4-6 bottles of wine.
Plan a visit to Spottswoode when you get to the Valley. You will be glad you did. Just note that they are only open during the week. Plan ahead, because their permit allows just 50 visitors per week. For details about booking a tour and tasting, check out their website or give them a call.
Enjoy!
