Spottswoode

Spottswoode Estate has been a pioneer in sustainability for over 30 years, transitioning its historic estate to organic farming in 1985 and earning organic certification in 1992, one of only two organic vineyards in Napa Valley at the time. In addition to organic farming, Spottswoode’s commitment to environmental stewardship is reflected in its biodynamic practices, almost exclusive use of solar power, preservation and conservation efforts, and its philanthropic practice of donating 1% of annual profits to environmental organizations. In 2020, Spottswoode was the first winery in Napa Valley, and the third in California, to earn the B Corp designation for its social and environmental business practices. B Corp measures a company’s entire social and environmental performance and includes independent third-party assessments of a company’s impact on its workers, community, environment and customers.

Located in the town of St. Helena in the Napa Valley, in the foothills of the Mayacamas Mountains, the history of Spottswoode estate goes back to 1882, when 17 acres of vines were planted on the property for wine production. Post Prohibition era and into modern times, the Novak family has been at the heart of Spottswoode Estate since the property was purchased by Jack and Mary Novak in 1972. In 1977, Jack sadly passed away from a heart attack; he was only 44 years old. Mary assumed management of the estate, selling the grapes to local wineries while raising her young family by herself. In 1982, Mary established a winery at the estate and released their first Cabernet Sauvignon. By the early 1990s, two of Mary’s daughters — Beth and Lindy — joined the winery, and production at the estate was exclusively under the Spottswoode label. Alongside her daughter Beth, Mary began farming the vineyard organically, achieving organic certification in 1992, one of only two organic vineyards in Napa Valley at the time. In 2016, Mary Novak passed away at the age of 86, leaving behind a legacy of what is now, undoubtedly, one of Napa Valley’s “grand cru” estates. Today, Beth Novak Milliken is the president and CEO of the estate and Lindy Novak is marketing ambassador. They continue to beautifully express the greatness of their land through their wines, while tirelessly forging on as pioneers in the region for sustainable practices and bettering their community.