The Estate - Spottswoode Winery

“By pure serendipity and luck, we are the stewards of an amazing, historic winegrowing estate in Napa Valley, which we intend to be a multi-generational family business. We consider ourselves very fortunate.”

Beth Weber Novak, interviewed by Tom Hyland, Forbes

Family Wine Estate

Established in 1882, Spottswoode Estate is distinguished by the pre-Prohibition Victorian home depicted on our wine label. Spottswoode was christened by Mrs. Albert Spotts in 1910 and later acquired by Mary and Jack Novak in 1972. Mary released Spottswoode’s first Cabernet Sauvignon in 1982, exactly one hundred years after the estate’s founding.

Organic Vineyard

We are among the first vineyards to have adopted organics, having farmed our vineyard organically since 1985 and acquired California Certified Organic Farmers (CCOF) certification in 1992. Adding biodynamic practices further supports our estate vineyard as a living, breathing ecosystem.

Dig Deeper

Let us start by saying that Spottswoode Cabernets are the stuff from which hyperbole is made. From the winery’s inaugural 1982 release to the most recent barrel samples, these extraordinary, estate grown Cabernets display the stunning depth, classic definition and impeccable craftsmanship…
Charles Olken
Connoisseurs Guide to California Wine

People

Founded by Mary Novak, Spottswoode Estate’s winemaking legacy is built on the passion and shared vision of the entire team. While the estate has been part of the Novak family for decades, everyone who works within Spottswoode plays an essential role in its success.

People

Our Founder

To many, Mary Weber Novak was the energetic woman who zipped around St. Helena in her little electric red car, smiling at passersby. For those familiar with the modern history of the area, Mary represented the spirit, graciousness, and vision that helped to build Napa Valley.

The Novaks

Since 1882

View Spottswoode’s Estate History

1882

The estate that is now Spottswoode began with George Schonewald, a German immigrant who came to the Napa Valley around 1870. He quickly learned the hotel business, soon running some of the finest hotels in northern California including the Del Monte in Monterey. By 1882 Schonewald and his wife, Catherine, purchased 31 fertile acres at the foot of the Mayacamas mountain range in the community of St. Helena, intending to make this their summer home. The Schonewalds planted 17 acres of wine grapes on the property, which they christened “Esmeralda,” which means “Emerald” in Spanish.

1884

The Schonewalds sold several acres of their Esmeralda property to Franz “Frank” Kraft, who constructed a classic Victorian-style farmhouse for his family and a beautiful sandstone wine cellar that served as the Old Kraft winery until the late 1880s. Both buildings were renovated in 1990 by the Novak family; the former Kraft winery is now used for barrel-aging Spottswoode Estate Cabernet Sauvignon, while the farmhouse houses Spottswoode Estate’s offices.

1885

On the remaining land, the Schonewalds built a majestic Victorian home in the Colonial Revival manner with Queen Anne architectural features popular in the 1880s, including a side-gabled roof, square porch pillars, and an asymmetrical porch. The design emulated the luxurious Hotel Del Monte in Monterey, California, of which Mr. Schonewald was the manager. This is the home depicted on the Spottswoode Estate Cabernet Sauvignon wine label.

1886

Designing and planting formal gardens at Esmeralda, the Schonewalds chose an exotic mix of flora inspired by the park-like grounds of the Hotel Del Monte. Date palms, native oaks, cedar, elm, and linden trees, walnuts, olives, bay laurel, and a Japanese pagoda tree all provided fragrant shade in the summer heat while a tall Washingtonia palm stood guard over the entryway. Many of these plantings still flourish at Spottswoode today.

1906

Esmeralda remained the Schonewalds’ summer home until shortly after Catherine Schonewald’s death, when George Schonewald sold his beloved estate to Joseph Bliss. Perhaps in admiration of the beautiful stonework on the Kraft wine cellar, Bliss renamed the estate “Stonehurst” and with his family, settled into the Victorian house on Hudson Avenue.

1908

After living there just two years, Joseph Bliss sold Stonehurst to Dr. George Allen. Drawn to its gentle, idyllic nature, and in honor of the linden trees that grace the garden, Dr. Allen and his wife renamed the property Lyndenhurst. The St. Helena Star reported that many elegant afternoon teas were held in the shade of these lovely trees. The Allens made many improvements to the estate, including the construction of a beautiful wrought iron gate with “Lyndenhurst” forged in elegant arching letters, a precursor to the Spottswoode nameplate that exists today.

1910

Desiring to return to San Francisco, the Allens sold the Lyndenhurst estate to Susan Spotts. Finding solace in the quiet gardens and soft light of the surrounding St. Helena countryside, Mrs. Spotts renamed the property “Spottswoode” in memory of her late husband, Albert. The property was owned by descendants of the Spotts family until its purchase in 1972 by the Novak family.

1916

Despite the looming threat of Prohibition the Spotts family planted the Spottswoode vineyard to a field blend of Green Hungarian, French Colombard, and Petite Sirah, perhaps with the hope that the 18th Amendment to the Constitution, banning the manufacturer, sale, and transport of alcohol, would not be ratified.

1919–1933

Prohibition took hold in the United States and the Spottswoode Estate fell into disrepair. The Spotts family tried to survive financially by selling grapes to the Christian Brothers Winery (who made sacramental wine, suddenly very popular), growing mushrooms in the cellar, and raising frogs for frogs’ legs, a popular dish in San Francisco restaurants during these years.

1930

With no descendants and unwilling to sell her beloved property, Mrs. Spotts gifted the Spottswoode Estate to her niece, Florence Holmes, and Florence’s daughter, Constance Price, who resided in Berkeley, California and used Spottswoode as their second home.

1933–1971

After the repeal of Prohibition in 1933, Spottswoode began to sell fruit from the revitalized estate vineyard to the St. Helena Wine Cooperative, at that time controlled by Gallo, for less than $300 per ton (about $5700 in today’s dollars). Florence and Earl Holmes made the estate their permanent home in 1942; their daughter Constance Price and her children joined them there in 1951.

1972

Seeking a rural community setting in which to raise their family, Dr. Jack and Mary Novak purchased the 31-acre Spottswoode Estate and moved their family of five children to St. Helena. Encouraged by the temperate climate and the remarkable composition of the soil, the Novaks immediately purchased an additional 15 acres of bordering farmland, increasing the estate’s total acreage to its current 46 acres.

1973–1975

Knowing little about winegrowing but pleased to have found a property with a beautiful garden, a house large enough to raise five children, and a vineyard where Jack could drive his tractor, the Novaks decided to replant their pre-Prohibition vineyard to Cabernet Sauvignon, Zinfandel, and Sauvignon Blanc using AxR1 rootstock. Located on well-drained alluvial soils, with an ideal climate for the production of fine wine grapes, the Spottswoode vineyard’s new plantings would prove to be extremely fortuitous.

1977

After realizing his dream of moving his family to an agrarian community, Jack Novak unexpectedly passed away. Faced with the challenges of running a vineyard while raising five children, Mary Weber Novak decided to stay and pursue the vision she and her husband shared. She began managing the Spottswoode vineyard, successfully completing her first harvest and selling the grapes to various Napa Valley winemaking families including the Shafers and the Duckhorns.

1982

Exactly 100 years after the estate’s beginnings, Mary Novak founded the Spottswoode Estate Vineyard & Winery and produced its first Cabernet Sauvignon. She hired Tony Soter as her winemaker. The 1982 vintage numbered 1,200 cases of 100% Cabernet Sauvignon and was cellared in the cool basement underneath the estate home. The existing Zinfandel grapes on the property were grafted to Cabernet Franc and Merlot.

1985

Believing that growing the grapes was an essential role in making a premium wine that reflects the true nature of terroir, Tony Soter extended his role as Spottswoode’s winemaker into vineyard management, and introduced the concept of organic farming, an uncharted idea at the time. Tony recalled, “The notion of organic farming was controversial and deemed risky. Worse yet, some thought it might limit your aspirations if the goal was to make the highest-quality wine. So it was our humble mission in the marketplace of ideas to establish that these goals of making the best possible wine and doing the best possible thing for your land were not mutually exclusive endeavors.”

1987

Mary Novak was joined at Spottswoode by her youngest daughter, Beth, who became the first second-generation family member to become actively involved in guiding the winery. Beth’s interests in the business of wine started when she studied abroad during her years at UCLA. After graduating with a degree in economics, she worked for a wine brokerage company before coming onboard at Spottswoode. Beth went on to succeed her mother as CEO and in 1998, became the youngest and first woman president of the Napa Valley Vintners Association. She continues to be an active participant in numerous philanthropic and industry events and programs.

1989

The Novaks purchased the historic Kraft property across Madrona street from the Spottswoode vineyard. They began restoring the pre-Prohibition Victorian home and stone winery, the latter to use as their new barrel room and the Victorian home to become Spottswoode’s business office.

1991

Spottswoode produced its 10th Anniversary Estate Cabernet Sauvignon. An extensive replanting began, replacing vines lost to phylloxera, an aphid-like insect that ravaged the finest vineyards in Napa Valley. To ensure continuity of their Estate Cabernet Sauvignon, acreage devoted to Sauvignon Blanc was also replanted with Cabernet Sauvignon.

1992

Spottswoode Estate received organic certification from the California Certified Organic Farmers (CCOF) and completed transforming the historic Kraft Winery stone building into the barrel room for Estate Cabernet Sauvignon. Pam Starr joined the team as winemaker while Tony Soter transitioned to the new role of Spottswoode’s consulting winemaker. Lindy Novak, Mary’s oldest daughter, left her very successful sales career to join Spottswoode to expand the winery’s sales efforts regionally and nationwide.

1997

Veteran winemaker Rosemary Cakebread became winemaker and Tony Soter ended his 25-year tenure with Spottswoode Estate. Since 1992 he had been winemaking and vineyard consultant. A graduate of UC Davis, Rosemary brought over twenty years of wine production experience to her new position. Embracing Tony’s philosophy that a winemaker’s most important job is to allow the fruit’s fullest expression of its origins, she committed to dedicating equal time to the vineyard and the winery.

1999

Just in time for harvest, construction was completed on the Spottswoode Estate Winery, designed to blend seamlessly with the property’s historic structures. “Not many winemakers get an opportunity to design a dream winery,” Rosemary Cakebread remembered. “I got to watch my ideas and desires put onto paper by Howard Backen. I will remember 1999 fondly. With Howard often on site and Andy Erickson as our harvest intern (read: fun), and one of my favorite vintages, 1999 was definitely a milestone vintage for me.” Backen & Gillam Architects received the Napa County Landmarks Association award for “Exemplary New Winery in a Historic Setting.”

2000

Believing that communities can work together to sustain ecological balance, Mary and Beth invited Evan Engber of Bioengineering Associates to draft a plan for the restoration of Spring Creek, a local watershed that borders Spottswoode Vineyard. The study began a seven-year, successful effort. “Restoring this community creek has been extremely gratifying,” said Beth. “It’s an opportunity to further our stewardship of the land by playing an integral part in balancing natural resources with residential and agricultural uses.”

2002

Jennifer Williams came to Spottswoode as a harvest intern in 2001 and was hired the following year as Rosemary Cakebread’s winegrowing assistant. Rosemary was thrilled to have someone with whom she could work closely in the farming of the estate vineyard and production of wines. Jennifer later recalled, “This unique vineyard is pliant to the care and whim of each of its winemakers while staying true to itself. Perhaps that is its finest attribute—that it makes brilliant wines with each transition: from one winemaker to another, from its original plant material to newly cultivated rootstocks, and from classic to modern winemaking techniques.”

2005

Eager to expand its offerings, Spottswoode premiered the first release, vintage 2002, of Lyndenhurst Cabernet Sauvignon. Made with the same care as the Spottswoode Estate Cabernet, it is an exceptional Cabernet Sauvignon, beautifully balanced and approachable. Lyndenhurst was the estate’s name in 1908, inspired by the fragrant linden trees planted in the garden in the late 1800s. The trees still bloom today.

2007

Spottswoode celebrated both its 125th anniversary as a winegrowing estate and founder Mary Weber Novak’s 75th birthday. To commemorate these events, Spottswoode published its first book, 125 Years, which honors the estate’s history and the families who have been its stewards since 1882. Spottswoode as we know it today – a winegrowing estate that includes the family’s home, vineyard, and winery – is truly the result of Mary Novak’s enduring commitment and passion.

2009

The inaugural bottling of Field Book, Spottswoode’s first-ever Northern Rhône-style wine, was released. The name “Field Book” reflects the detailed notes recorded as the Spottswoode team explored California in search of a stellar vineyard perfectly suited to the growing of Syrah.

2010

The Novak family’s commitment to the St. Helena and Napa Valley community was recognized as Mary Weber Novak and Beth Weber Novak were named honorary chairs for the 30th anniversary of Auction Napa Valley, one of the premier benefit events in the valley. Held each summer, Auction Napa Valley raises much-needed funds for local charities in the areas of health care, children’s education, and low-income housing.

2011

Aron Weinkauf assumed the role of winemaker from Jennifer Williams after five years as assistant winemaker and three years as vineyard manager. Passionate about Spottswoode’s commitment to organic farming and producing elegantly structured wines, Aron summed up his role: “Much of being a winemaker and vineyard manager involves paying attention. While walking the vineyard, I have come across a wide variety of rocks – from quartz crystal and geodes to blue serpentine, hunks of white calcareous, volcanic pumice, and granite. I like to think that this diversity in parent material, combined with our long history of organic farming, healthy soils, and meticulous management yield the beautiful, dynamic wines we strive to make here at Spottswoode.”

2012

2012 was a year of celebrations for the Novak family: the 40th anniversary of the move to St. Helena, the 30th anniversary of Spottswoode Estate Vineyard & Winery, Beth and Lindy’s 25th and 20th anniversaries of working with Mary, and Mary’s own 80th birthday. As Beth said, “Whenever we reflect on our history, we are filled with awe and gratitude over all that transpired during these years. We look forward to what the future holds!”

2016

Mary Weber Novak passed away on September 25, 2016. Founder of Spottswoode Estate Vineyard & Winery, Mary was one of the first women to run a major Napa Valley winegrowing estate and a vital part of the wine community for 44 years. She established Spottswoode as one of the valley’s great family-owned wineries and a first growth–caliber property. Mary also helped to pioneer organic viticulture when Spottswoode began farming organically in 1985. With daughters Beth and Lindy, she built the estate’s renown winemaking legacy. Her passion continues to inspire everyone at the winery.

2017

In memory of founder Mary Novak, Spottswoode released the inaugural bottling of its 2016 Estate Sauvignon Blanc This special wine is made exclusively from the 1.07-acre Mary’s Block, which borders Spring Creek in the southeastern corner of the family vineyard. A portion of the proceeds of this wine is donated to Land Trust of Napa County, one of Mary’s favorite organizations.

2019

As one of the first six member wineries to join International Wineries for Climate Action, Spottswoode is committed to working with an international group of wineries to reduce carbon emissions across the industry. As a Silver Member, our GHG emissions inventory has been third-party verified and we are committed to becoming Net Zero by no later than 2050.

2020

Spottswoode became the first winery in Napa Valley to achieve B Corp certification, a designation widely regarded as the gold standard for social and environmental business practices. After introducing biodynamic farming in 2008, with the goal of ensuring the vineyard’s continued vitality for generations to come, Spottswoode attained Demeter certification in 2020. Demeter’s vision is to heal the planet through agriculture and to focus on a holistic farming approach that views the vineyard as a living organism.

2022

The inaugural bottling of Field Book Estate Red wine was released. First planted in the 1880s, the Spring Creek Vineyard borders the southern edge of our estate and gives us the opportunity to explore farming and winemaking with heritage California varietals like Petite Sirah, Carignan, Alicante Bouschet, Napa Gamay, and Mourvedre, as well as to trial other varieties like Touriga Nacional, Manseng Noir, Tinta Cao, Falanghina, and Assyrtiko. This wine speaks to both the past and future of winegrowing in Napa Valley as we adapt to the effects of climate change through what we plant.

2023

As a multigenerational family business, Spottswoode “farms like the world depends on it,” and recognizes that a thriving future relies on regenerative organic agriculture practices to heal our damaged planet. Regenerative Organic Certified® is an agricultural certification that was created to address the climate crisis, soil degradation, biodiversity loss, factory farming, and fractured rural economies globally. We are proud to have achieved Silver level certification in 2023.