Originally published in the St. Helena Star

When was your winery founded?

“Our vineyard was originally planted in the 1890s. Our parents Michael and Alexandra Marston originally purchased the vineyard in 1969 as part of a consortium and then bought it outright in the 1970s. Now we have taken over ownership of the vineyard.”

Why did you choose to be in the Spring Mountain District American Viticultural Area (AVA)?

“In the 1970s our parents Michael and Alexandra Marston co-chaired with Fritz Maytag of York Creek to collect the data needed to create the Spring Mountain District Appellation, which was granted the new AVA.”

How many acres do you farm in the Spring Mountain District AVA? How does that break down into types of varietals/acre?

“Approximately 32 acres.”

Do you farm sustainably/organically/biodynamically?

“We are a sustainably farmed vineyard.”

Please describe your vineyards: soil; exposure; narrow spacing; type of trellising; irrigation/dry-farmed, etc.

“Our vineyard ranges in elevation from 700 feet to approximately 1,200 feet and is the most southerly located, eastern-facing vineyard on Spring Mountain. The topography varies greatly in orientation and slope, and the selection of rootstocks and clones complements the distinct vineyard blocks to provide a mosaic of flavors. Each afternoon a cool breeze wisps through the vineyard. The restrictive soil is mostly stony loam that produces grapes with highly developed fruit flavors.”

What might surprise people to learn about you/your winery/your operation?

“The owner of the property before us was Al Menasco, an aviation pioneer from World War II whose flying adventures are well documented. His aeronautical memorabilia are now in the Smithsonian’s Air and Space Museum in Washington, D.C. Al’s best man in his last wedding, the actor Clark Gable, visited the vineyard frequently and also spent his honeymoon in what is now the main house.”

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?

“The Spring Mountain District AVA is an incredibly special place for the quality of the mountain wines produced high above St. Helena as well as the deep sense of community between the neighbors.”

What’s your favorite place in St. Helena to eat, drink or relax?

“John and his wife Tanya have enjoyed many of the restaurants in St. Helena including the classic comfort food of Market for years. Their children, Kathryn and JJ, prefer eating at Gott’s and running around in the open atmosphere during the warm months. Elizabeth enjoys the outdoor area at Farmstead during the summer months and PRESS for cozier winter fare.”

Learn more about Marston Family Vineyards here

(This is the latest in a series of Q&A articles highlighting winemakers and grape growers in the St. Helena area.)