The story of Summit Lake Vineyards reads like a good novel: a young romance, epic global adventure, trials and tribulations, dreams coming true. But the real themes that course through the heart of this tale, aside from its literary draw, are firmly grounded in hard work, family, and dedication to traditional winemaking. Located in Napa’s very first sub-appellation, the Howell Mountain Appellation, Summit Lake Vineyards is perched 2,000 feet above the valley floor. Compared with the typical heat of Napa’s valley floor, the cooler climate of this high elevation coupled with volcanic soil composition, results in ideal conditions for what Summit Lake is known for, outstanding estate grown Zinfandel and Cabernet Sauvignon.
More than 40 years ago, Bob and Sue Brakesman drove down the Summit Lake driveway for the first time as owners. The difference on that day was that the 28 acre property was in a state of complete disrepair, the house in shambles, and the original eight acres of pre-Prohibition Zinfandel grapevines consumed in overgrowth. After years of tireless toil and crafty innovation, combined with proactive research, successful strategic work placement, and a few key mentors, the vineyard is still going strong. Their very first commercial vintage is a testament to what would come, a 1978 Zinfandel that won a Double Gold medal at the California State Fair.
The current chapter of the Brakesman story is all about family, reflecting the two generations that have sprouted forth from the couple’s fated meeting in junior high school. Developments and improvements over the years, from newer vineyard planting, to handcork bottling lines, to winery construction, were always a reason to bring friends and family together—community building at its best. The influence of that support infuses the family-run business, backing up their commitment to quality winemaking and expression of their distinct place in California’s prime Napa Valley wine country.