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Mike DeSimone and Jeff Jenssen | Robb Report
Proceeds from Spottswoode’s 40-bottle offering will go to an organization that supports sustainable winemaking practices.
Celebrating the history of Napa icon Spottswoode’s Estate Cabernet Sauvignon, Christie’s is presenting a remarkable vertical of all 40 vintages produced, from 1982 through 2021. Sourced straight from the cellar of the Novak family, Spottswoode’s owners since 1972, this one-of-a-kind piece of Napa Valley history is expected to bring in between $10,000 and $20,000. Part of Christie’s upcoming Fine & Rare Wines Online: L.A. Edition auction, with bidding open from September 4 to September 18, the seller proceeds will be donated by the Novak family to Napa Green, a sustainable winegrowing program that sets vineyard certification standards focusing on climate action, regenerative carbon farming, and social equity.
Featuring one standard bottle of every vintage made, this lot offers collectors the chance to appreciate the progression and maturation of Spottswoode’s signature bottling across four decades. The lot also includes an invitation to attend the winery’s annual vertical tasting in St. Helena on Monday November 10 hosted by proprietor Beth Novak and winemaker Aron Weinkauf, the first time this tasting will be open to a person not in the wine trade. Chris Munro, Christie’s head of wine, says, “This truly unique lot is a one-off chance to purchase all 40 vintages produced at the property with perfect provenance, coming directly from the Novak family reserves. For any collector of Spottswoode or indeed Napa wine in general this is such a special lot.” Munro also tells Robb Report that Spottswoode Estate Cabernet is seen regularly at auction in North America, often coming from the collections of some of Christie’s most knowledgeable consignors. “The wines have a dedicated following and when mature vintages come to the block we see some serious competition.”
Founded in 1882 and acquired by the Novak family in 1972, Spottswoode has been farmed organically since 1985, transitioned to biodynamic farming in 2008, and received Regenerative Organic farming certification in 2022. Winemaker Aron Weinkauf explains that this makes the vineyard healthier and aids in soil vitality and grape quality, which brings the estate closer to the winemaking ideal of letting the vineyard and the vintage speak. “We welcome vintage variation, which I think is a part of what makes great wine so unique and special, Weinkauf says. “Each vintage of our Estate Cabernet Sauvignon is like a snapshot of our vineyard at a period in time.” Preceded in his role by winemakers Tony Soter, Mia Klein, Pam Starr, Rosemary Cakebread, and Jennifer Williams, Weinkauf, who joined Spottswoode in 2006, says that this lineage of winemaking talent is what makes the 40-vintage lot so interesting. “It encompasses our entire history, and the winning bidder will have the rare opportunity to assess for themselves how our estate vineyard has evolved, how it has performed in each unique growing season, and how each winemaker has contributed to the Spottswoode story,” he says.
Spottswoode was one of the founding members of Napa Green and a team member serves on its board. Spottswoode CEO Beth Novak says the organization’s work relies heavily on government climate funding, much of which has faced recent budget reductions. “In light of this, we are pleased to donate the proceeds from our Christie’s auction lot to Napa Green,” she says. “Our hope is that these funds will help them continue their important ground-level consulting efforts in Napa Valley, leading the way in sustainability and climate action.” As committed to winemaking expertise as they are to vineyard ecology, the Novaks have perfectly cellared every bottle at the estate, ensuring immaculate provenance and condition. There are exceptionally limited quantities on hand from many of the earlier vintages, so this offering represents a truly rare and exclusive collection.
Mike DeSimone and Jeff Jenssen, also known as the World Wine Guys, are wine, spirits, food, and travel writers, educators, and hosts. They have been featured guests on the Today Show, The Martha Stewart Show, Better TV, and the CBS, FOX, and NBC networks. They also write Robb Report’s weekly newsletter The Oeno Files.
Help us celebrate this historic milestone!!
100% of @napagreen’s Certified Vineyard members successfully phased out Roundup, setting a new standard for wine industry leadership.
Thank you to all of our members for your continued leadership and dedication to sustainability. Your choices impact meaningful change in our industry.
#climateaction #winebusiness #regenerativeag
What makes the #OneBlockChallenge so special? Hear from @regenerativeviticulture Co-Founder, @stephen_de_mirabeau!
The first informational session is next week so come with your questions. Learn more or get involved at the link in our bio.
#regenerativeag #regenerativeviticulture climateaction
@napagreen is a non-profit focused on climate action in the wine industry!
This #GivingTuesday consider donating any amount to support regenerative farming practices, sustainable wine production, and strengthening our community.
#climateaction #nonprofit
Happy Thanksgiving! We are so grateful for our incredible members and their teams, the community, our board, and all of the people who support climate action by drinking @napagreen certified wines!
Cheers! 🍂 🍁 🍃
#climateaction #nonprofit #wineindustry
Join us @beringervyds Hudson House on December 11th for wine and updates!
At the end of each year we like to bring together our team, members, and community to discuss some of the highlights from the past year, and what’s ahead in the new year.
➡️ Ticket link in bio.
#community #nonprofit #winetasting
What is regenerative viticulture and where do I even start?!?
Last week, @napagreen and @regenerativeviticulture launched the #OneBlockChallenge in Napa, creating an accessible pathway for growers to start with just one block, while providing support and mentorship for regenerative practices.
To hear the workshop recording from @chuckschembre or to learn more about the One Block Challenge or Napa Green Vineyard Certification, head to the links in our bio.
#climateaction #regenerativeag
@napagreen has a @candiddotorg GuideStar Gold Seal of Transparency, which shows our nonprofit’s commitment to accountability. It also let donors see insights into our organization and operation to make informed donation decisions!
Our valuable climate action work cannot happen without the support of our community, members, donors and sponsors!
Want to donate or make an impact in another way? Head to the link in our bio or reach out to connect.
#climateaction #nonprofit #nonprofitorganization
Day 2 of our Growing Regenerative Viticulture event was amazing!
We learned about the onsite regenerative practices from @bedrockmorgan and @j_neustadt, heard the technical side of how these practices work from @chuckschembre, learned sampling techniques from @soilrainandhope, and saw the data and insights from @sectormentor and @grape_cowboy.
Thanks to all who attended and to @bedrockwines for hosting!
➡️ To learn more about regenerative vineyard practices or to enroll in either the One Block Challenge or Napa Green Vineyard certification, head to the links in our bio.
#regenerativeag #climateaction #vineyardmanagement #oneblockchallenge #napagreen #regenerativeviticulture #soilhealth #biodiversity #carbonfarming
Today @napagreen and @regenerativeviticulture proudly launched the One Block Challenge in Napa, an initiative to encourage winegrowers to adopt regenerative viticulture practices on a manageable scale.
We heard from an incredible group of regenerative agriculture experts, practitioners, and leaders who shared valuable insights and success stories.
Thanks to our attendees, @opusonewinery for hosting, and our exceptional speakers: @chuckschembre @stephen_de_mirabeau @cainethompson @soilrainandhope @forrestellab and @hilarysgraves.
➡️ Visit the link in our bio to sign up for the One Block Challenge or learn more!
#regenerativeag #climateaction #vineyardmanagement #oneblockchallenge #napagreen #regenerativeviticulture #soilhealth #biodiversity #carbonfarming
Applications for the California Green Medal Sustainable Winegrowing Leadership Awards 2026 awards are now open!
California’s wine industry is a global leader in sustainable practices due to the dedication of its vineyards and wineries in setting high standards for: 🍇 Environmental stewardship
🍇 Being a responsible employer and community member
🍇 Implementing innovative and sustainable business practices
We invite you to apply for the California Green Medal Sustainable Winegrowing Leadership Awards to highlight your excellence!
Apply Now at greenmedal.org/apply.
#CAGreenMedal #SustainableWine #WineIndustry #Sustainability #SustainableWinegrowing
#CaliforniaGreenMedal #WineBusiness #Wine
What Do Consumers Ask Winemakers Most Often? Chimney Rock Has Some Answers
We love this @grapecollective conversation with @elizvianna, the Winemaker and GM @chimneyrockwinery!
#sustainablewine #winetasting #winebusiness #regenerativeag
We are thrilled to be nominated for the @napachamberofcommerce Community Benefit Organization of the Year!
🗳️ Cast your vote daily from now until November 21st. Link in bio!
#nonprofit #napavalley #chamberofcommerce
Congratulations to @phiferpavittwine on achieving both @napagreen Vineyard and Winery recertification!
Phifer Pavitt has mindfully cultivated a thriving ecosystem where every element - from insects and plants to earthly materials - serves a purpose and repurpose.
We invite you to book a tasting to explore their innovative Eco Barn, serene pollinator garden, and exemplary environmental stewardship practices. When you visit, you will discover wines that not only capture a sense of place but also embody a living testament to regenerative farming from soil to bottle.
#sustainablewine #climatesmart #napavalleywine #napavalley #winebusiness #sustainablewinery #wineindustry #sustainablebusiness #womenownedwinery #landstewardship #environmentalstewardship #regenerativeag
Congratulations to the 2025 @winebusinessmonthly Wine Industry Leaders!
We`re thrilled to see many of our members, partners, speakers, sponsors, and community leaders recognized for their innovative contributions and leadership in the wine industry!
Special thanks to @napavintners President and CEO, Linda Reiff, for championing environmental efforts in the Napa Valley wine industry by establishing the @napagreen program!
#winebusiness #wineindustry #environmentalstewardship #napavalleywine #napavalley
@tressabores is a truly climate smart winery. They hold both the Napa Green Vineyard and Napa Green Winery Certifications, with a holistic focus on regenerative and organic farming.
In partnership with @napagreen, Tres Sabores launched the “Circle of Sustainers” award program as a way to recognize guest’s support of the sustainable winery. The tasting fees from each selected guest’s experience will be donated in their name to support ongoing sustainability efforts by Napa Green in the Valley.
Book your visit now for a truly unforgettable sustainable winery experience.
📷 @soilrainandhope @tressabores @buddsocial
#sustainablewine #climatesmart #napavalleywine #napavalley #winebusiness #sustainablewinery #wineindustry #sustainablebusiness #winetasting #regenerativefarming #comeoveroctober
Congratulations to @fiordisolewines on achieving @napagreen Winery Certification. Fior di Sole – “Flower of the sun” – is a family-owned and operated wine company located in the heart of Napa Valley, producing exceptional quality wines from Napa and throughout California.
Fior Di Sole is committed to minimizing environmental impact and fostering a healthier planet for future generations. They provide comprehensive wine services, managing the entire process from concept creation, packaging design, winemaking, purchasing, compliance, quality assurance, and bottling, all while prioritizing sustainability.
#sustainablewine #climatesmart #napavalleywine #napavalley #winebusiness #sustainablewinery #wineindustry #sustainablebusiness
