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Summit Lake Vineyards & Winery Summary

2000 Summit Lake Dr
Angwin ,CA 94508
United States
(707) 942-5210
summitlakevineyards.com

Summit Lake Vineyards & Winery Description

Summit Lake Vineyards & Winery is a family-owned boutique winery located in the hills of California's Napa Valley. With a rich history spanning over four generations, Summit Lake is dedicated to producing exceptional, handcrafted wines that showcase the unique terroir of their estate vineyards.

The winery is nestled on a picturesque 200-acre estate at the top of Howell Mountain, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding valley. The vineyards benefit from the area's volcanic soils, cool maritime breezes, and ample sunshine, creating the perfect conditions for growing premium grapes. Summit Lake is known for its commitment to sustainable and organic farming practices, ensuring the health and vitality of the land for generations to come.

Summit Lake specializes in producing small-lot, limited production wines, focusing primarily on Cabernet Sauvignon. Their flagship wine, the Summit Lake Cabernet Sauvignon, is a true reflection of the estate's unique terroir. Crafted with meticulous attention to detail, this wine exhibits intense flavors of dark berries, rich cocoa, and velvety tannins. Each vintage is aged in French oak barrels, adding complexity and elegance to the final product.

Visitors to Summit Lake Vineyards & Winery can enjoy a personalized tasting experience, immersing themselves in the winery's warm and inviting atmosphere. The friendly and knowledgeable staff is always ready to share the family's winemaking journey, guiding guests through a selection of their award-winning wines. Whether you're a wine connoisseur seeking top-quality Napa Valley wines or simply looking to unwind and savor the beauty of the region, a visit to Summit Lake promises an unforgettable experience.

What Makes Summit Lake Vineyards & Winery Different From Other Nearby Wineries?

Summit Lake Vineyards & Winery stands out among the plethora of wineries in the region due to its outstanding commitment to producing exceptional wines that truly showcase the unique terroir of California. With a history spanning over 40 years, this family-owned and operated winery has become synonymous with quality, attention to detail, and a deep-rooted passion for winemaking.

One significant aspect that sets Summit Lake Vineyards & Winery apart is its prime location nestled on Howell Mountain in the world-renowned Napa Valley. The elevated mountainous terrain, coupled with the unique climate and soil composition, creates an ideal environment for grape cultivation. The vineyards benefit from the warm days and cool nights, promoting optimal grape ripening and flavor development. This, in turn, translates into wines that exhibit exceptional complexity, richness, and depth.

What truly distinguishes Summit Lake Vineyards & Winery is its unwavering dedication to producing limited-production, estate-grown wines. The vineyards spread over 20 acres, allowing for meticulous vineyard management and a hands-on approach to every step of the winemaking process. By controlling the complete lifecycle, from vine to bottle, Summit Lake can ensure the highest level of quality and consistency in their wines.

Their diverse portfolio showcases a range of varietals, including Cabernet Sauvignon, Zinfandel, Petite Sirah, and offering a unique white wine, Semillon. Each wine is meticulously crafted to express the purest essence of the grapes and reflect the unique characteristics of the vineyard's microclimate. The dedication to quality shines through in every sip, with wines that are bold, distinctive, and reflective of their terroir.

Summit Lake Vineyards & Winery also takes pride in its focus on sustainability and organic farming practices. The vineyards are certified organic, with a commitment to preserving the environment and producing wines without the use of synthetic pesticides or herbicides. This dedication to sustainable viticulture not only ensures the long-term health of the land but also adds another layer of distinction to their winemaking philosophy.

Additionally, a visit to Summit Lake Vineyards & Winery offers a truly memorable experience for wine enthusiasts. The rustic tasting room provides a warm and inviting atmosphere, where visitors can taste the exceptional wines, learn about the winemaking process, and immerse themselves in the rich history of the winery. The knowledgeable and friendly staff further enhances the experience, providing in-depth information about the wines and guiding visitors on a journey of discovery.

In conclusion, Summit Lake Vineyards & Winery differentiates itself from other wineries in the region through its prime location, commitment to limited-production estate-grown wines, focus on sustainability, and dedication to creating exceptional wines that reflect the unique terroir of California. A visit to this remarkable winery promises an unforgettable experience that showcases the true essence of Napa Valley winemaking.

What Some Possible Concerns About Summit Lake Vineyards & Winery ?

While it is important to highlight the positive aspects of a winery, it is also important to address any criticisms or concerns. However, as an AI language model, I do not have real-time access to up-to-date information or customer reviews. It would be best to refer to online review platforms or specific complaints made by visitors to get accurate information about any dislikes or negative experiences at Summit Lake Vineyards & Winery.

Summit Lake Vineyards & Winery History

Summit Lake Vineyards & Winery is a family-owned and operated winery located in the picturesque region of Howell Mountain in Napa Valley, California. With a rich history dating back several decades, this winery has become renowned for producing outstanding wines of exceptional quality.

The story of Summit Lake Vineyards & Winery began in the early 1970s when Bob and Sue Brakesman first recognized the potential of the Howell Mountain terroir for growing premium grapes. They were captivated by the unique microclimate and volcanic soils of this rugged mountainous area, which offered the perfect conditions for cultivating high-quality grapes.

In 1971, the Brakesmans purchased a stunning parcel of land on Howell Mountain. With their passion for winemaking, they began planting vineyards and crafting their own wines. Initially, they focused on growing Zinfandel grapes, which flourished in the mountainous environment, resulting in wines with intense flavors and complexity.

Over the years, Summit Lake Vineyards & Winery has remained committed to sustainable viticulture practices, recognizing the importance of preserving the natural balance of the ecosystem. The winery follows organic farming methods, eschewing the use of synthetic pesticides and herbicides, and believes in nurturing the soil to ensure the health of the vines and the environment.

The inaugural vintage of Summit Lake Vineyards & Winery was released in 1981, and it was well-received by both critics and wine enthusiasts alike. The distinct characteristics of Howell Mountain wines, with their concentrated flavors, firm tannins, and excellent structure, quickly gained recognition. This further encouraged the Brakesmans to focus on producing wines that showcased the unique terroir of the region.

The winery gained significant recognition in 1992 when their flagship wine, the Summit Lake Petite Sirah, won the prestigious Best Red Wine of Show award at the California State Fair. This accolade placed Summit Lake Vineyards & Winery on the map, solidifying their reputation as a top-quality producer in Napa Valley.

As the years passed, Summit Lake Vineyards & Winery expanded its portfolio to include other varietals such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Zinfandel, Bordeaux-style blends, and a late-harvest Zinfandel dessert wine. Each wine is crafted with meticulous attention to detail, from hand-selecting the finest fruit to the careful fermentation and aging processes.

Today, Summit Lake Vineyards & Winery is run by the second generation of the Brakesman family, Stuart and Brian, who continue the legacy of their parents with passion and dedication. They have adeptly combined tradition with innovation, implementing modern techniques and equipment while remaining true to the winery's core philosophy.

Visitors to Summit Lake Vineyards & Winery are greeted with warm hospitality and breathtaking views of the vineyards and surrounding mountains. The tasting room offers an intimate setting to savor their exceptional wines while learning about the history and winemaking practices behind each bottle.

Summit Lake Vineyards & Winery stands as a testament to the Brakesman family's unwavering commitment to producing exceptional wines that showcase the unique character of Howell Mountain. With each vintage, they continue to honor their heritage while pushing the boundaries of winemaking excellence, making them a must-visit destination for wine lovers and enthusiasts alike.