Godspeed Vineyards is run almost entirely by a father son team. The father, Larry Stricker, is a renown designer of International world-class resort hotels who jumped into the grape growing business full throttle in the mid 1980's. Their first vintage was produced in 1991. This is a core location for Mt. Veeder area fruit and their Cabernet grapes are in very high demand and often command a much higher price than other area Cabernets. They have even sold their fruit to a few out of state buyers including one from New Hampshire who hauled the fruit over 3000 miles in a refrigerated truck! An appointment here is for the serious wine enthusiast as they are not open to the general public.
A visit here is all about the vineyards, the wine and the views. Their vineyards sit at an elevation of between 900 and 1500 feet and often receive a dusting of snow in the winter. Godspeed's original harvests were initially sold to other premium wineries and today they select the finest blocks for their own wine while still selling grapes to other wineries.
They concentrate on two European style wines, a Chardonnay and a Cabernet Sauvignon. Mt. Veeder Cabernet fruit in particular is known for its small dense clusters, fruit quantities that are always significantly below the tonnage produced by the nearby Napa Valley floor grown vineyards. Despite being above the valley fog it is usually colder up here than the valley floor and when it warms up later in the day the mountain slopes help mediate the heat. This makes for a very long harvest often stretching up to parts of 3 months. Redwoods dot the vineyards as the Strickers decided to leave all redwoods when they originally planted the vines. During harvest silver colored strands blow in the wind to discourage birds from eating the actual grapes. You may also hear the "cries of wounded birds" but pay no attention as these cries are coming from speakers strategically located throughout the vineyards to help keep the birds from attacking the ripe fruit.
Godspeed has the luxury of holding back their wines far beyond the normal time most area wineries release their wines. Typically their Cabernet won't be released until it has aged 6 years! For the price their wines are one of the best values within the Napa Valley area. Their Cabernets are big, bold, deeply colored and firm in tannin structure. They age very well. We also tried their Chardonnay; it is non Malolactic and is dark golden in color and pairs very well with food due to its reasonable acidity. Visit: http://www.godspeedvineyards.webs.com/
|
 |
 |
Open to Public: No
Appointments: Yes, Call
Regular Tours: No
Hours: Call
Phone: 254-7766
Address: 3655 Mt. Veeder Road, Napa
 Winery Photos Winery Website
|
|
|
|
