Jayson Woodbridge, the visionary behind Hundred Acre Wine Group, has expanded his Napa Valley empire with the acquisition of the renowned Kelly Fleming Winery. This 286-acre estate, nestled in Simmons Canyon between Calistoga and St. Helena, boasts stunning views of the valley and a rich history of producing exceptional Cabernet Sauvignon.
“When I acquired this property in 1998, I had a vision for creating an estate that would be worthy of this special volcanic canyon terroir. I’ve seen my dream come true,” Kelly Fleming shared, reflecting on her time at the estate.
“I’ve left this estate vineyard as beautiful as I found it. It’s a memorable place to visit and celebrate Cabernet Sauvignon. I look forward to the Woodbridge family carrying on the legacy, bringing their masterful touch to the wines they’ll create here,” she added.
Woodbridge expressed his admiration for Fleming’s vision and craftsmanship, highlighting the property’s unique appeal. “Kelly started her vineyard with Jim Barbour, Hundred Acre’s viticulturist from the very beginning, and in my opinion, still one of the best in the world. Barbour Vineyards will be farming this land again for us,” he said.
The Fleming Wines estate is an architectural masterpiece, featuring a 5,000-square-foot stone winery, a 7,000-square-foot natural rock cave, a commercial kitchen, and a classic stone residence. The estate seamlessly blends with Hundred Acre’s adjacent “Few and Far Between” vineyard, expanding their total vineyard holdings to 17 acres.
Woodbridge emphasized his commitment to meticulous winemaking practices, stating, “We look at every single vine in our vineyards. We pre-prune the canes, then prune for extremely low tonnage, use specially made organic composts, with minimal water usage always top of mind. We build up the soil over the course of decades. When we pick, we make multiple passes, sometimes up to seven passes of each block, each pass fermented separately of course.”
This acquisition not only provides Hundred Acre with expanded vineyard space but also allows them to further their barrel fermentation processes in the estate’s impressive cave winery. The Fleming property also features a commercial kitchen, outdoor fireplaces, and entertainment areas, which will be available to guests starting in spring 2025 by invitation only.
The first harvest from the former Kelly Fleming vineyards is expected this fall, and the wines will be designated as Hundred Acre vineyard-designate wines in the future.
This latest acquisition adds to Woodbridge’s growing portfolio of Napa Valley properties, which includes Madrigal Vineyards, the historic David Fulton Ranch, and the “True Romance” vineyard.
Kelly Fleming, known for her exceptional Cabernet Sauvignon, Sauvignon Blanc, and proprietary blends, leaves a legacy of quality and innovation within the Napa Valley wine industry. She has been recognized for her commitment to sustainable practices and her unwavering passion for creating unique and memorable wines.
With this acquisition, Hundred Acre continues its trajectory as a leader in the world of luxury winemaking, solidifying its position as a force in the Napa Valley wine scene.
