Originally published in the St. Helena Star
When was your winery founded?
“The property for Titanium Winery was purchased in August of 2022. We love the rich history that this property has dating all the way back to Olga Beringer in the 1930s.”
Why did you choose to be in the Spring Mountain District American Viticultural Area (AVA)?
“Dr. Justin Moody and his best friend, Dr. Curt Rising, came out to Napa over 25 years ago to experience the famous wine region and stayed at a property on Spring Mountain. Justin instantly fell in love with the Spring Mountain fruit and kept that fascination with wines from Spring Mountain AVA ever since. When a vineyard on Spring Mountain became available for sale, it just felt like home, or at least the potential for a future home.”
Who is owner? Who is winemaker? Who is vineyard manager?
“The owners of Titanium Winery are Dr. Justin Moody and Dr. Kristine Aadland, both dentists by trade and both passionate about wine. When you ask them about this new adventure they call this ‘life after dentistry’ and tell you how excited they are to have people actually want to come see them, instead of dreading the dental chair. It is the similarities between dentistry and owning a winery though that continue to drive them further — the smiles, laughter and belonging.
“The winemaker is Bob Pepi, and he is no stranger to Napa Valley as he and his father built a winery on the valley floor in the ’80s. Famous for his Sauvignon Blanc, it was actually his Cabernet Sauvignon that earned him his highest honor. He has offered to share his knowledge and 40+ years of experience making wine around the world to now work with this amazing Spring Mountain fruit.
“The vineyard manager is Mario Tedeschi. He grew up on Spring Mountain and a fun fact is that he learned to drive a vineyard tractor on what is today known as Titanium Vineyard. His knowledge of every inch of the property is invaluable.”
How many acres do you farm in the Spring Mountain District AVA? How does that break down into types of varietals/acre?
“There are 7 acres of Cabernet Sauvignon and about 1 acre of Cabernet Franc planted with hints of Petite Verdot as well.”
Do you farm sustainably/organically/biodynamically?
“We farm sustainably with respect to the land and fruit as much as possible and are always discussing different organic and biodynamic options.”
Please describe your vineyards: soil; exposure; narrow spacing; type of trellising; irrigation/dry-farmed, etc.
“The vineyard is mostly hillside with an eastern-facing exposure. Since the fire there is significantly more daylight in the evening and is leading to healthier vines and riper fruit. All of the vine trellising is VSP on narrow spacing with minimal irrigation with tillage.”
Wineries today try to differentiate the visitor experience. What is unique about visiting your winery/tasting room?
“We have another 18 months or so before we will be hosting visitors on site to figure out exactly what will make us unique. The experience begins now with the creation of our web page. What we have learned, and continue to explore, is how each winery is different — the stories, the origins, the fruits — and each element speaks to people differently. We can’t wait to see whom our winery speaks to.”
What might surprise people to learn about you/your winery/your operation?
“Having spent our careers in dentistry, our passion, or many would say our obsession, has been the pursuit of Cabernet Sauvignon. With Bob and Mario on the team, the SMD fruit to work with, and our relentless pursuit of quality, we will honor the past while making world-class wine.”
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?
“To us, it’s the people in the AVA. They already know its secrets, its soil, exposures, all the things that make Spring Mountain fruit the best in the world. We hope to help tell the story and present it to the world, and the visitors, that will come to taste the wine, to laugh, and make amazing memories.”
What’s your favorite place in St. Helena to eat, drink or relax?
“There is so much good food in St. Helena, but the pulled mozzarella at Brasswood and the champagne-battered fish and chips at Market are a few of our favorites. As far as relaxing, that typically involves a picnic blanket and a local bottle of wine, enjoying the view on our property as we watch our house and tasting room get built.”
Learn more about Titanium Winery here
(This is the latest in a series of Q&A articles highlighting winemakers and grapegrowers in the St. Helena area. Kristine Aadland is one of the proprietors of Titanium Winery.)