Savor the heights of elegance found on Howell Mountain
Bartlett Family Vineyards (BFV) is a boutique wine venture and producer of hand farmed and crafted small production Bordeaux influenced wines. The Estate Cabernet is shaped by its unique location and terroir on Howell Mountain, one of the original sub-appellations in the Napa Valley. The wines produced on the Estate demonstrate the perfect balance of strength and finesse.
Situated “above the fog” on Howell Mountain at between 1500 and 1600 feet in elevation, the vineyard benefits from long hours of sunshine, warm days, and cool nights.
The vineyard is comprised of two distinct blocks.
The “South Block,” is relatively flat (up to a 6-degree slope) where the soil is rocky and made up of reddish brown highly volcanic loosely compressed ash/tuff. The soil creates clouds of dust when one walks on it, which is why this block is affectionately nicknamed the “moondust block” by Ron. These vines have had to struggle to survive and grow deep into the ground to find water and nutrients, leading to the production of tiny berries and clusters with an intense concentration of flavor and strength.
The “North Block” is steeply sloped (up to 27-degrees), also volcanic and is made up of Kidd Complex weathered rhyolite soils that are fertile and drains water quickly. These vines produce tiny berries with thick skins, fleshy fruit, and silky tannins. The fruit produced in this block is juicy, dark in color, richly decadent and all about finesse.
How it Began
It had always been a dream...
It had always been a dream of Ron’s to own a vineyard and make wine. After a three year search, which ended in 2017, Ron found the site for what has become the Estate Vineyard atop Howell Mountain.
Working with a well known vineyard management and development firm, from due diligence, permitting, clearing, layout and ultimately planting in 2020, the vineyard became a reality.
The lands in and around the vineyard have a rich history. They were the homeland to the Native American Wappo people who thrived for thousands of years in the beauty and bounty that the area provided. Pre-historic hunting grounds were previously found at various sites on Howell Mountain, a further demonstration of the fertility of the land.
As stewards of the land, we see it as our responsibility to maintain/improve the overall health of the vineyard’s ecosystem. The vineyard is farmed by hand and has been CCOF certified as Organic since Day 1. Annually, organic compost is added to improve the health of the soil and ultimately the vines and grapes. The soil is protected by the cover crop which is periodically mowed and the soil is further enhanced by the decomposing material it produces. Organic farming leads to healthier soil and vines, which in turn produces higher quality and more complex wines.
It is with this in mind that we have set-out to produce wines that are indicative of Howell Mountain and represent the rich and prestigious history of the area.
Each step in the journey has been exciting, challenging, sometimes frustrating, but in the end extremely gratifying. Now, as the vines mature, a brand has been created, wine has been bottled and BFV is ready for release. Ron has enjoyed seeing his dream come to fruition.
We hope you enjoy these wines as much as we have enjoyed bringing them to you.
Explore Bartlett Family Vineyards' offerings, where passion for winemaking and the spirit of Howell Mountain come together to create exceptional wine.
