SPOTTSWOODE ESTATE WINERY
As Mother’s Day approaches we are reminded of the many magnificent moms, women and entrepreneurs who inspire us. Mary Weber Novak is one of those incredible women. Founder of Spottswoode Winery in St. Helena, California her vision, passion and commitment to her family, her business and the earth encourages us to push through those trials - and never stop dreaming.
SPOTTSWOODE‘S LEGACY
Mary, her husband Jack and five children fell in love with Spottswoode, a pre-prohibition vineyard, moved to St. Helena in the early ‘70s and immediately began to replant the vineyard. Sadly, her husband passed away shortly after and Mary took over the estate’s management. With the encouragement of neighbors and local experts she completed her first harvest selling grapes to local vintners. Lindsey Rion’s grandfather actually consulted her as the Napa County farm advisor during that time. He revolutionized frost control and supported the certification process for clean root stock. Five years later, Mary hired Tony Soter as Spottswoode’s first winemaker, who began producing Spottswoode’s highly acclaimed wines and pioneered organic farming in Napa Valley.
Her two daughters, Beth and Lindy, joined the winery and together have established Spottswoode as one of Napa Valley’s most esteemed multi-generational family estates and a reputation for making some of the finest Cabernets in the world.
ORGANIC VINEYARD
Spottswoode is among one of the first wineries to have adopted organics in the Napa Valley. They began farming the vineyard organically in 1985 and acquired California Certified Organic Farmers (CCOF) certification in 1992. Achieving Demeter Biodynamic Certification in 2020, Spottswoode farms with an intention to promote a living, breathing ecosystem.
Sustainable soil practices include planting cover crops, reducing tillage and re-establishing native California grasses - all which help to feed the soil. They also incorporate composting, bringing in animals and 0bserve the lunar calendar.
SPOTTSWOODE WINES
Their long history as a family-owned wine estate, deep winemaking expertise and detailed attention to farming and land stewardship allow them to craft wines that are alluring, elegant and expressive of their vineyard.
Spottswoode wines are especially known for their refined elegance, balance and classic structure. Our favorite? Their world-renowned Sauvignon Blanc.