Originally published in the St. Helena Star
When was your winery founded?
“We purchased our property in 2012. The previous owner assembled adjacent parcels to create the current 17 acres. There was no vineyard planted but there was an approved Erosion Control Plan to plant 5 acres, which we completed in 2014. First fruit was in 2016, first released vintage was 2018.”
Why did you choose to be in the Spring Mountain District American Viticultural Area (AVA)?
“While we didn’t target the Spring Mountain District, we consider ourselves lucky to have found a virgin property in such a special location. Just north of St. Helena, our slice of Mayacamas benchland sits at an elevation of 400 feet which places us at the edge of the Spring Mountain District AVA.”
Who is owner? Who is winemaker? Who is vineyard manager?
“Joanne and Jon Goldstein are the proprietors. Aaron Pott is the winemaker and the vineyard is overseen by Pina Vineyard Management.”
How many acres do you farm in the Spring Mountain District AVA? How does that break down into types of varietals/acre?
“We have approximately 5 acres planted separated into six blocks.”
Do you farm sustainably/organically/biodynamically?
“Since there hadn’t been a vineyard previously on the property, we saw this as a perfect opportunity to farm organically. We planted nitrogen-fixing cover crops rather than artificially amending our soil, and provide a habitat for winged predators to help control pests. As landowners, we feel strongly about the importance of reducing risks of human, animal and environmental exposure to toxic materials.”
Please describe your vineyards: soil; exposure; narrow spacing; type of trellising; irrigation/dry farmed, etc.
“A forested preserve shoulders our estate on two sides. Our densely planted blocks of vines are cane-pruned to create a shade canopy in the heat of summer. Spacing of the vines is 4 x 6. We use drip irrigation, but only as necessary. The vineyard faces east and enjoys a temperate microclimate. Aromas from the dry California forest surrounding us subtly express themselves in our wines. Our brand’s name, which refers to the atomic symbol for iron (Fe), draws inspiration from the volcanic, Aiken red, iron-rich soil of the property.”
Wineries today try to differentiate the visitor experience. What’s unique about visiting your winery/tasting room?
“We are not open to the public so we only host tastings for trade, as well as family and friends. We host in a small barn in the middle of the vineyard and our guests often feel as if they are at the center of an ecosystem. Fe is an integrated organic wine farm putting into practice regenerative principles that help us grow great wines, flowers, vegetables, critters and people. We know that people are looking for experiences that resonate with conviction for higher standards and values that are transparent.”
What might surprise people to learn about you/your winery/your operation?
“We never intended to make wine. We wanted to build a home and plant the vineyard with the intention to sell the fruit. The decision to actually create a label came later in the project when Aaron Pott encouraged us given the quality he was seeing from the vineyard. We are happy he did. He’s been involved in every decision from the beginning and the result is a shared vision of the best expression from our site.”
What is special about the Spring Mountain District AVA in your opinion? Is it misunderstood? What do you wish visitors knew about it which perhaps they don’t?
“People may be surprised to learn that SMD is often the wettest and coolest AVA in the valley. The lower ridgeline creates an entry point for the cool coastal air to spill down over forest and vineyards which lie on the slopes of Spring Mountain. This moderates daily peak temperature. The low yields of Spring Mountain represent less than 2% of all Napa Valley wine produced.”
What’s your favorite place in St. Helena to eat, drink or relax?
“The Napa Valley was one of our favorite getaway trips for many years before we acquired the vineyard. It’s even better being there now and enjoying our home with family and friends. Among our favorite things are hiking in neighboring Bothe State Park and the cheeseburgers at Gott’s.”
Learn more about Fe Wines here
(This is the latest in a series of Q&A articles highlighting winemakers and grapegrowers in the St. Helena area. Fe Wines.)