Research Day, November 16, 2009
Howell MountainPhotos by Greg Wright, Wrights Photography
Starting the Day at Ladera.
Ladera
Our first stop on Howell Mountain was Ladera Vineyard in Angwin - and
what a beautiful start! After a gracious welcome by Vintner Anne Stotesbery, Sarah Neumann showed us around this gorgeous
winery. They have picnic tables that guests may enjoy during their
visit. Although Ladera is known for their Estate Hillside Cabernet we
had the good fortune to start with their 2008 Howell Mountain Sauvignon Blanc, perfectly
light and tasty. Sarah showed us the different types of soil during
the tour as we sipped some well balanced Cabernet.
On the Road
O'Shaughnessy
Beautiful architecture is the first thought when you visit O'Shaughnessy Winery. Very modern and contemporary. Annette Summersett gave us a tour of the building and the wine cave with piped in music (and a private wine cellar to boot!), they have two Cabernet Sauvignons to taste - ripe and luscious. On this beautiful, warm fall day, they graciously prepared lunch for us which was perfect out on the patio enjoying the view. This is a great winery for guests who like fine, big Napa Valley wines and are interested in architecture. 
Cimarossa
Cimarosa Wines located near the top of Howell Mountain has the most
glorious view. We tasted the Cabernet on the deck overlooking the
hills. A beautiful rustic setting and a delicious tasting that Nurit Robitschek
hosted for us. In addition to the deck tasting, she walked us down to the guest cottage where warm and cozy tastings take place in the months of challenging weather. The she shared
their particular philosophy that results in such an incredible wine.
Our wonderfully capable Tour Guides
Arkenstone
Arkenstone is a newer winery on Howell Mountain, they have an extraordinary and very large cave. Susan Krausz, Vintner and Sam Kaplan, winemaker were our hosts. While walking through the cave Susan explained how the tasting room will be completed in 2010, however they had the most elegant tasting set up for us upstairs inside the cave in the middle of a bridge overlooking the tanks and activity of the winery workers. We tasted their Bordeaux style Sauvignon Blanc, Obsidian - a satiny soft blend, and their big earthy style Syrah.
Spence Vineyards 
What a gracious host Jacalyn Spence is. She
welcomed all of us into her beautiful home to taste their intensely
rich Cabernet Sauvignon, we were invited to sit or stroll along her
porch from which one could gaze for hours into the beautiful landscape
gardens and vineyard.
Summit Lake 
Delightful is the word to sum up a visit to Summit Lake Vineyards and Winery! Heather Griffin is the daughter of the man who started it all, 38 years ago - Bob Brakesman. Heather invited us into her kitchen for a tasting of the most delightful Zinfandel, Cabernet Sauvignon, Petite Syrah and an incredible port! All are 100% estate grown (complete with barnyard!). Even their labels are a labor of love as each has an art deco style and are very distinctive. 
Definitely Howell Mountain is a must for those guests who
want a unique and enriching experience.
And an educational and good time was had by all!
