Spence Vineyards sits at 1,900 feet on Howell Mountain, high above the Napa Valley floor. We are only about 20 minutes from downtown St. Helena, but once you start heading up the mountain, it feels like you are going somewhere completely different.
One of the questions I get asked most often is what a tasting at Spence is actually like. The short answer is that it is private, personal, and fairly relaxed. Keeley or I will sit down with you, walk you through the wines, and share as much or as little detail as you want about the vineyard, the winemaking, and the history of Spence.
If you are considering a visit, here is what you can expect.
What Is a Private Wine Tasting at Spence Vineyards?
Every tasting at Spence is private and hosted by appointment at our estate on Howell Mountain. You will not be standing at a crowded tasting bar or moving through a set presentation with several other groups.
Instead, we will sit down together and taste through a selection of our current wines. There is no rigid script. Some guests want to learn everything they can about the vineyard and how the wines are made. Others simply want to enjoy the setting, ask a few questions, and drink some great wine. We are happy either way.
We keep our tastings private because we want them to feel personal. It also gives us the flexibility to shape the visit around what you are interested in rather than giving everyone the exact same experience.
What Makes Howell Mountain Different?
Howell Mountain was the first sub-appellation recognized within Napa Valley. Its lower boundary begins at 1,400 feet, above much of the fog that settles on the valley floor, and our vineyard sits at approximately 1,900 feet.
We often start the morning in the sun while the valley below us is still covered in fog. A steady breeze moves across the property throughout the day, and the temperatures are generally cooler than they are on the valley floor. Those conditions give the grapes a long growing season and allow them to develop slowly while maintaining their structure and acidity.
The soil is another major part of the story. Our vineyard is planted in red volcanic soil filled with rocks, some of them nearly the size of footballs. The soil drains quickly, which makes the vines work hard and send their roots deep in search of water.
All of that shows up in the wines. Howell Mountain Cabernet is known for its depth, structure, and ability to age, but our goal is never to make a wine that is simply big for the sake of being big. We want the wines to have concentration and character while still being balanced and enjoyable to drink.
Which Wines Will You Taste?
Our estate Howell Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon is at the center of every tasting. It is the wine that best represents the property and the reason the vineyard was planted here in the first place.
The rest of the lineup depends on our current releases and what we have open at the time. A tasting may also include wines such as our Atelier Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Zinfandel, Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, or one of our small-production blends.
Because we are a small winery, the selection changes throughout the year. If there is a particular wine you are hoping to taste, let us know when you reach out. We cannot always promise that every bottle will be available, but we will tell you what we expect to be pouring.
Who Will Host Your Visit?
Most tastings are hosted by me, Charlie Jensen, or my wife, Keeley Spence. Keeley and I run the day-to-day operations of the winery, including the tastings, wine club, sales, marketing, events, and most of the communication with our customers.
Dave and Suzie Spence own the winery and purchased it from Dave’s parents, Allen and Jackie Spence, in 2021. That kept Spence Vineyards in the family and allowed the next generation to continue building on what Allen and Jackie started.
Keeley and I work closely with our winemakers, Jon and Ted, and spend most of our time making sure the wines and the experience at the property reflect what makes Spence special. Because we are a small operation, the person answering your email will probably also be the person pouring your wine when you arrive.
What Should You Expect When You Arrive?
The drive up Howell Mountain is part of the experience. As you leave St. Helena and climb above the valley floor, the roads get quieter and the views begin to open up.
When you arrive, we will get you settled and start with a little background on the property before tasting through the wines. We can spend time talking about the vineyard, show you the red volcanic soil, explain what makes Howell Mountain different, or simply let the conversation go where it goes.
Plan for the tasting to last around 90 minutes. We do not rush people through, so it may run a little longer depending on the group and the conversation.
The road back down the mountain is winding, so we strongly recommend arranging a driver in advance. If you need a recommendation, let us know. We are happy to connect you with drivers we trust.
How Do You Schedule a Tasting?
All visits are by appointment. The easiest way to get started is through the Contact Us or Visit Us page on our website.
Let us know:
- The date you would like to visit
- The number of people in your group
- Whether you have any timing limitations
- If there is a specific wine you are hoping to taste
Keeley or I will respond personally and help you plan the visit.
Spence Vineyards is located at 994 White Cottage Road North in Angwin, California, on Howell Mountain above St. Helena. Because tastings are by appointment, please contact us before coming to the property.
Can We Help With the Rest of Your Napa Valley Trip?
Absolutely. We spend a lot of time in St. Helena and throughout Napa Valley, so we are always happy to share recommendations.
If you need help finding a driver, choosing a restaurant, or deciding where to stay, ask us when you schedule your tasting. We can point you toward the places we genuinely like and help you put together a day that makes sense geographically.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Spence Vineyards located?
Spence Vineyards is located on Howell Mountain in Napa Valley, approximately 20 minutes from downtown St. Helena. The estate sits at about 1,900 feet within the Howell Mountain AVA.
Are tastings at Spence Vineyards private?
Yes. Our tastings are private and available by appointment. You will not be combined with other groups or standing at a crowded tasting bar.
Who hosts the tastings?
Most tastings are hosted by Charlie Jensen or Keeley Spence, who run the day-to-day operations of Spence Vineyards.
What wines will I taste?
Every tasting includes our estate Howell Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon, along with a selection of our other current releases. The exact lineup changes depending on the season and availability.
How long does a tasting last?
We recommend allowing approximately 90 minutes. Tastings may run a little longer depending on the group and the conversation.
Do I need a driver?
We strongly recommend arranging transportation. The road up and down Howell Mountain is winding, and we want everyone to enjoy the tasting safely. We are happy to recommend a private driver.
Can I visit without an appointment?
No. All visits to Spence Vineyards are by appointment. Please contact us in advance so we can confirm availability and be ready for you.
Can I taste Spence wines without traveling to Napa Valley?
Yes. Our wines are available through our website, and we occasionally host private tastings and events in other markets. You can also join our wine club to receive regular shipments and access to new releases.
Plan Your Visit to Spence Vineyards
If you are looking for a private Howell Mountain wine tasting that feels personal rather than commercial, we would love to host you.
Reach out through our website, tell us when you will be in Napa Valley, and we will help you plan the rest.