High in the hills above Napa Valley lay two pristine valleys that together hold the fertile estate vineyards of Somerston. Allan Chapman purchased the 638-acre Priest Ranch property in Soda Valley in 2004, and the adjacent 990-acre Lynch Ranch in Elder Valley early 2006. After the purchase, he spent an extensive amount of time exploring the properties and learning about the rich history of the acreage, which includes vineyards, several spring-fed lakes, and a natural soda spring. Foundations from old homesteads, dated ranching tools, and century-old farming equipment remain scattered about the ranch as a reminder of all who were here before.
Today the land is planted to more than 200 acres of grapes on elevations ranging from 850 to 2,400 feet above sea level. Divided into 87 individual blocks representing a diverse range of soils (alluvial fans, silty clay, and fractured shale), the vineyards provide a range of distinctive fruit coveted by some of Napa Valley’s most renowned winemakers and wineries.
Although a substantial amount of fruit is sold, Somerston utilizes grapes from premier blocks for estate wines. Somerston just finished construction of a winery in a renovated 12,000-square-foot barn in Soda Valley. Completed recently, the new winemaking facility features many new proven technologies including the first process waste anaerobic biofilter in Napa County, and one of the country’s first carbon neutral cooling, heating, and hot water systems.
Somerston’s General Manager and Winemaker Craig Becker is strongly committed to the winery’s sustainable practices. “The modern sustainable movement has transcended organics in many ways,” Craig says. “As we consider our impact on the environment, practices are emerging that take into account concerns like carbon consumption, fuel economy, and new ways to enhance efficiency and conservation. For me, sustainability is not a marketing tool or gimmick; it is a way of life.”
Somerston crafts wine for three labels: Somerston, from premier blocks on the Somerston estate; Priest Ranch, representing the diversity of Somerston’s vineyards; and Highflyer, an eclectic lineup of varietals from distinctive vineyard sites, including Somerston, Bennett Valley, Santa Lucia Highlands, Santa Maria Valley, and Santa Ynez Valley.
When visiting the Napa Valley, wine tourists are warmly invited to visit the ranch located just 25 minutes off the Silverado Trail. Although a little planning is in order (tastings and tours are by appointment only, and it takes time to drive the winding country roads), it is more than worth it. Guests will enjoy wine tasting at the new facility and in connection, may enjoy an exhilarating vineyard tour in an open-air all-terrain vehicle through rolling vineyards and wooded forests, past natural soda springs, grazing sheep, and organically farmed gardens. The winery also has a more convenient, yet charming, downtown Yountville tasting room, where wine lovers can enjoy the great wines that express the history, beauty, and the sustainable farming philosophy that set Somerston apart.