Spottswoode Estate Vineyard & Winery

George Schonewald founded the estate in 1882 and built the Victorian residence that remains a central feature of the property. The site was named by Mrs. Albert Spotts in 1910 and was later purchased by Mary and Jack Novak in 1972. After her husband died in 1977, Mary Novak took over the operation and initially sold her grapes to other Napa Valley vintners. She produced the first Spottswoode Estate Cabernet Sauvignon in 1982, marking one hundred years after the property was first established. The winery remains a family business managed by Mary's daughters, Beth Novak Milliken and Lindy Novak, who represent the second generation of Novak leadership.

The estate vineyard covers roughly 40 acres on the western bench of St. Helena at the foot of the Mayacamas Mountains. The soil is primarily alluvial clay and loam from the Sulphur Creek fan, which allows for effective drainage. Spottswoode was an early adopter of sustainable agriculture in the region, starting organic farming in 1985 and receiving official certification in 1992. The property earned Demeter biodynamic certification in 2020 and Regenerative Organic Certification in 2023. Winemaker Aron Weinkauf, who also manages the vineyard, joined the team in 2006. He emphasizes a winemaking approach that values acidity and freshness, using concrete or stainless steel tanks and French oak barrels for fermentation.

The signature wine is the Estate Cabernet Sauvignon, which is recognized for its ability to age and its balanced structure. In addition to this flagship bottling, the winery produces Lyndenhurst Cabernet Sauvignon and an Estate Sauvignon Blanc that was first released in 1984. Spottswoode became the first winery in Napa Valley to achieve B Corporation certification in 2020. The estate is also a member of 1% for the Planet and supports various environmental conservation groups. These initiatives reflect a long term focus on land stewardship that has secured the winery's position as a significant producer in the St. Helena appellation.