Tasting at Spottswoode Estate - A Historic St. Helena Legacy with Beth Novak
- EH
- Oct 28
- 10 min read
Spottswoode Estate, located in St. Helena, California, is a family-owned winery with a history dating back to 1882. Known for its iconic Victorian home and organic vineyards, the estate spans 46 acres and produces highly regarded Cabernet Sauvignon and Sauvignon Blanc wines.
The estate’s legacy is deeply tied to Mary Novak, who purchased it in 1972 and became a pivotal figure in Napa Valley winemaking after her husband’s passing in 1977. Under her leadership, Spottswoode transitioned to organic farming in 1985 and achieved certification by 1992. Today, her daughters, Beth Novak and Lindy Novak, continue the family tradition, focusing on sustainability and small-scale wine production.
Spottswoode wines, especially their limited-edition Cabernet Sauvignon, are crafted with precision, emphasizing harmony and balance. Visitors to the estate can enjoy barrel tastings, explore the historic gardens, and experience the winery’s commitment to organic farming and heritage preservation.
This estate stands out for its multigenerational female leadership, dedication to small-batch winemaking, and a deep connection to Napa Valley's wine history.
The Family Story: Mary Novak and 3 Generations of Women Owners
Mary Novak's Vision for Spottswoode
When Mary Novak purchased Spottswoode Estate in 1972, she set out to honor its rich history, which dated back to the pre-Prohibition era, while creating something extraordinary. She envisioned transforming the estate into a leading family-run Napa winery. With an eye for the property's historical charm and potential, Mary took on the challenges of leadership and became a trailblazer in the world of winemaking.
Her ambitions went far beyond crafting excellent wines. She was a strong advocate for organic farming, transitioning Spottswoode to organic practices in 1985 and achieving certification by 1992. This made Spottswoode one of the first wineries to embrace organic viticulture in Napa Valley. Mary also prioritized quality over quantity, limiting production to just 5,000 cases of estate Cabernet Sauvignon each year. This careful approach allowed for meticulous attention at every stage, from tending the vines to selecting the barrels.
3 Generations of Women in Winemaking
Mary's pioneering spirit continues to thrive through her daughters, Beth Novak an Lindy Novak, who have carried the family torch into a new era. Beth, now Spottswoode's President and CEO, has led the winery to earn B Corporation certification, reflecting their commitment to social and environmental responsibility. Meanwhile, Lindy focuses on vineyard management and sustainability, ensuring the estate remains aligned with its founding principles.
Together, these women have preserved Spottswoode's independence and upheld its dedication to producing handcrafted wines. By blending new ideas with the traditions Mary established, they’ve ensured that the Novak family legacy remains deeply intertwined with the winery’s identity. This legacy not only guides the estate's operations but also leaves its mark on every bottle of wine they produce.
An Interview with Beth Novak, President and CEO of Spottswoode Winery
Tasting at Spottswoode Estate
The Wines: Sauvignon Blancs and Cabernet Sauvignons
Spottswoode's wine collection reflects the unique character of their estate, showcasing two standout varietals grown in their meticulously maintained organic vineyards: Sauvignon Blancs with a mineral edge and refined Cabernet Sauvignons that echo the rich history of their land.
The winemaking philosophy at Spottswoode revolves around precision and subtlety, allowing the natural traits of each vineyard block to shine. This thoughtful approach is evident in their Sauvignon Blanc and Cabernet Sauvignon, where careful vineyard practices and selective harvesting result in wines with striking clarity and depth.
2023 Sauvignon Blanc: Standard vs. 'Mary's' Block
The tasting at Spottswoode begins with their two distinct styles of Sauvignon Blanc, each highlighting how vineyard location and vine age influence flavor. The 2023 standard Sauvignon Blanc delivers vibrant citrus notes, fresh herbal tones, and a crisp, mineral finish, perfectly capturing its terroir.
In contrast, the 'Mary's' Block Sauvignon Blanc tells a richer story. Named after Mary Novak, this wine comes from the estate's oldest Sauvignon Blanc vines, planted decades ago. The result is a more complex wine with pronounced mineral notes and a fuller, more textured mouthfeel, showcasing the concentrated flavors that older vines can produce.
Tasting these wines side by side reveals the impact of vine age. The 'Mary's' Block offers greater depth and a lingering presence on the palate, while maintaining the bright acidity that defines Spottswoode's Sauvignon Blancs. Meanwhile, the standard bottling charms with its fresh, lively character, embodying the cool morning climate of Napa Valley.
2021 Lyndenhurst Cabernet Sauvignon
The 2021 Lyndenhurst Cabernet Sauvignon introduces wine enthusiasts to Spottswoode's red wine lineup. Made from younger estate vines, this wine is approachable and ready to drink, offering a glimpse into the estate's commitment to quality.
Lyndenhurst is brimming with bright red fruit flavors, complemented by soft tannins that make it easy to enjoy right away. Classic Cabernet notes of cassis, cedar, and subtle spices are present, but the wine’s lighter structure means it doesn’t require years of aging. This makes it a versatile choice for pairing with everyday meals, while still retaining enough balance and acidity to age gracefully for several years.
2021 Spottswoode Estate Cabernet Sauvignon
The 2021 Spottswoode Estate Cabernet Sauvignon stands as the crown jewel of the estate's offerings. With production limited to just 5,000 cases annually, this wine exemplifies why Spottswoode is celebrated as one of Napa Valley's premier family-owned wineries.
This flagship wine is all about elegance. Rather than chasing intensity or over-extraction, the winemaking team focuses on achieving harmony and finesse. The 2021 vintage showcases layers of dark fruit, integrated oak, and fine-grained tannins, promising exceptional aging potential over the next 15 to 20 years.
The grapes for this wine are sourced from the estate’s oldest vineyard blocks, where decades of organic farming have nurtured deep, healthy soils. As the wine opens, it reveals a complex bouquet of blackberry, graphite, and subtle herbal notes, all reflecting the estate's unique microclimate and soil composition.
What truly sets this wine apart is its balance and sophistication. In a region where bold, concentrated Cabernets often dominate, Spottswoode takes a more restrained approach, reminiscent of European styles, emphasizing food compatibility and elegance. The 2021 vintage perfectly embodies this philosophy, with seamless integration of fruit, oak, and tannins - a testament to the meticulous care taken at every stage of production. This dedication to balance is also showcased during their exclusive barrel tasting experiences, where the wine’s evolution is unveiled sip by sip.
Barrel Tasting the 2024 Vintage
The Barrel Tasting Experience
Walking into Spottswoode's historic cellar feels like stepping into a piece of living history. The cool air carries the earthy aroma of oak and aging wine, while rows of French oak barrels stand neatly along the stone walls, each playing its part in shaping the wine within. The ambiance effortlessly ties the estate's rich heritage to the hands-on tasting experience that awaits.
Tasting the 2024 Cabernet Sauvignon straight from the barrel is a rare treat for visitors. Using a wine thief - a slender glass tube designed to draw wine directly from the barrel - the winemaker carefully extracts a sample. There's a sense of reverence in the process, a recognition of the wine's ongoing transformation.
Even at this early stage, the 2024 vintage hints at its potential. Deep, concentrated fruit flavors begin to mingle with the subtler notes of French oak, including whispers of vanilla and spice. The tannins, still firm, provide structure that will soften and integrate over time as the wine matures.
The quiet cellar and the sight of the historic barrels amplify the sense of being part of the wine's journey. As the winemaker explains, the oak barrels allow for micro-oxygenation, where tiny amounts of oxygen slowly seep into the wine. This process softens the tannins, enhances the wine's body, stabilizes its color, and contributes to the rich mouthfeel that Spottswoode's Cabernets are known for.
Why Barrel Tasting Matters
Barrel tasting at Spottswoode is more than just sampling - it’s a glimpse into the intricate process of winemaking. It’s a chance to see the wine in its formative stages, evolving from raw components into a refined final product. The 2024 Cabernet sample illustrates this beautifully, showcasing how time in oak builds complexity and character.
During the experience, the winemaker shares insights into the wine's development, discussing factors like acidity and sulfate levels. These early samples help determine the ideal timing for bottling, ensuring the wine reaches its full potential.
The choice of French oak barrels at Spottswoode is deliberate and impactful. Unlike American oak, which tends to impart bold vanilla and coconut flavors, French oak contributes more subtle spice notes and a refined texture thanks to its tighter grain. This slower integration of flavors allows the wine to develop layers of complexity over time.
Using the wine thief adds a tactile element to the experience, giving visitors a hands-on connection to the wine. Guided by the winemaker, you can observe the wine's evolving character and appreciate its transformation. This personal interaction creates a lasting memory - one that deepens your connection to the wine. When the 2024 vintage is finally released, you'll remember standing in that cellar, tasting its journey from barrel to bottle.
This kind of experience turns wine appreciation into something far more meaningful, elevating it from mere enjoyment to a deeper, more personal understanding.
The Estate: Organic Farming, Gardens, and Small Production
Organic Farming at Spottswoode
Spottswoode Estate has long been a trailblazer in Napa Valley, adopting organic farming practices back in 1985 - well before it became a widespread movement. By 1992, they officially earned their organic certification, solidifying their commitment to farming methods that prioritize nature over chemicals. At a time when synthetic pesticides and fertilizers were the norm, Mary Novak’s decision to embrace organic methods was both bold and visionary.
The estate’s 46-acre vineyard operates as a self-sustaining ecosystem, focusing on soil health and biodiversity. Instead of relying on chemicals, the team uses natural solutions like cover crops, composting, and pest management to maintain the vines. This approach not only strengthens the vineyard’s resilience to changing weather but also allows the grapes to develop a flavor profile that truly reflects the land.
In 2016, Spottswoode took another step forward by becoming a certified B Corporation, aligning their business with rigorous standards for social and environmental responsibility. This certification underscores their commitment to more than just profit - it’s about their impact on employees, the community, and the planet.
This dedication to organic farming directly influences the wines they produce. Grapes grown under these methods tend to be smaller but more concentrated in flavor, which shines through in their Sauvignon Blanc and Cabernet Sauvignon. The result? Wines that feel deeply connected to the St. Helena terroir, offering an authentic taste of the land.
Walking the Historic Gardens
Spottswoode's philosophy of sustainability extends well beyond the vineyard. Visitors can explore the estate’s beautifully maintained gardens, which are both a visual treat and a functional part of the property’s ecosystem. These gardens play a vital role in supporting biodiversity, aligning seamlessly with the estate’s organic farming practices.
The gardens feature Victorian-era landscaping, including heritage roses, lavender, and native California plants. These aren’t just for show - they attract beneficial insects that help naturally control pests in the vineyard. As you wander the paths, you’ll see how the gardens integrate with the vines, creating corridors for birds, insects, and other wildlife that contribute to the estate’s ecological balance.
Water conservation is another key focus here. The gardens showcase drought-resistant plants that thrive in Napa Valley's Mediterranean climate, reducing water usage while preserving the estate’s historic charm, which dates back to the 1880s.
Strolling through the gardens offers more than just a visual escape - it’s a chance to reset between tastings and soak in the estate’s deep commitment to sustainability. From the garden paths, you’ll also catch glimpses of the pre-Prohibition winery building, a nod to Spottswoode's long-standing winemaking heritage. It’s a reminder of how today’s practices are rooted in over a century of agricultural tradition.
Small Production, Handcrafted Wines
Everything at Spottswoode, from their farming methods to their gardens, leads to one goal: creating exceptional wines through small-scale, handcrafted production. By focusing on limited-batch winemaking, the estate ensures that every bottle receives the utmost care and attention.
Each step of the process is carefully monitored. Grapes are hand-harvested, and each vineyard block is treated individually, with adjustments made based on factors like soil type, sun exposure, and vine age. This level of detail ensures that the grapes reach their full potential before they even reach the winery.
Once in the winery, the focus remains on quality over quantity. Decisions are made based on taste and intuition, not efficiency. The winemaker waits for the perfect ripeness, selects only the finest barrels for blending, and ages the wine as long as necessary to achieve the desired character.
Because of this meticulous approach, Spottswoode wines - especially their coveted Cabernet Sauvignon - are produced in limited quantities and often sell out quickly. Many visitors join the estate’s mailing list during their visit to secure access to future releases and rare library wines.
For wine lovers, Spottswoode offers something special: wines that reflect the essence of a specific place and vintage, rather than a mass-produced house style. Each bottle tells a story, shaped by careful stewardship and the dedication of three generations of women who have nurtured this historic estate. From the vineyard to the barrel, every detail is handled with care, ensuring that Spottswoode wines remain a true expression of their time and place.
Conclusion: Visiting Spottswoode Estate
A trip to Spottswoode Estate is more than just a winery visit - it's an invitation into a rich history where winemaking and family heritage come together. As you drive down the picturesque, tree-lined entrance to the 1882 Victorian estate, you step into a narrative shaped by three generations of women who have transformed this 46-acre property into one of the most respected family-owned wineries in St. Helena.
What makes Spottswoode stand out isn’t just the exceptional quality of its wines - though they are a true reflection of the estate’s craftsmanship. It’s the immersive experience of visiting a working winery, where a barrel tasting offers a rare, behind-the-scenes look at the artistry of winemaking.
Sustainability is at the heart of everything here. Strolling through the estate’s historic gardens between tastings, you’ll notice how every detail reflects a commitment to organic farming and harmony with the environment. The property feels like an interconnected ecosystem, where tradition and care are evident in every corner.
Plan ahead and book your visit early, as Spottswoode keeps its guest list intentionally small to provide a personal and meaningful experience. This exclusivity ensures that each visitor enjoys the thoughtful hospitality and gains a deeper appreciation for the handcrafted approach behind every bottle. Serious wine enthusiasts will also benefit from joining their mailing list, which offers access to special events and exclusive opportunities.
For those who value authenticity and a connection to the stories behind the wines they enjoy, Spottswoode Estate is a must-visit. It’s a place where dedication to craft surpasses commercial interests, where three generations of women have carved out a legacy in a traditionally male-dominated field, and where every bottle captures the essence of a specific vintage, shaped by organic farming and meticulous care.
You can request a tasting on Spottswoode's website.
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