Winery Spottswoode Estate Vineyard & Winery

The estate's origins date back to the 19th century as an agricultural property; the Novak family acquired it in 1972. After years of selling grapes to other producers, the family began bottling wines under their own label in the early 1980s. Mary Weber Novak was the central figure in developing the modern winery, and the family's daughters later took on leadership roles in its management.

Spottswoode combines careful soil stewardship with cellar practices focused on balance and longevity in its wines. The estate places strong emphasis on sustainable vineyard management — practicing organic farming for many years and adopting biodynamic approaches and emissions-reduction programs — with the aim of preserving soil health and the identity of the terroir.

The estate is located on the western edge of St. Helena, in the St. Helena appellation. The soils are primarily alluvial with good drainage from the alluvial fan of Sulphur Creek; the site also benefits from cool breezes that promote balanced ripening of the grapes.

Wide critical acclaim from the wine press; cited and praised by industry publications and critics.