Vineyard 7 & 8
"Vineyard 7 & 8," located at the summit of Spring Mountain, which rises more than 600 meters above sea level. This is a small family-run winery by the Stevens family, known for their Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay wines, they added the grape varieties Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot to their estate in 2015. The winery’s name is derived from numerology: the number 7 symbolizes perseverance and the number 8 represents balance and prosperity. During the winemaking process, special attention is paid to the individual character of the vineyards, and intervention is deliberately kept to a minimum.
A finance man goes looking for a mountain
This property belongs to the Steffens family. Launny Steffens, who made his career in finance, spent many years searching the Napa Valley for either an existing vineyard or a plot of land with real potential for growing high-quality grapes. This search came to an end in 1999, when the family purchased a 40-acre plot in Spring Mountain. Grapes had been planted on this property in the early 1980s: Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay were evenly distributed, with 8 acres of each. Currently, the estate is managed by Wesley Steffens, who graduated in 2001 from the Culinary Institute of America, worked for almost two years at The French Laundry *** where his respect for craft and discipline and attention to detail was formed. He gained experience in the cellars of Harlan Estate and BOND which led him to the deep appreciation of site-driven winemaking. After four years of working in the cellars he returned with the knowledge gained to the family estate as Estate Director and Winemaker. His philosophy is simple: “Be humble about what I can do and what I cannot do.”
Life at 615 metres
Vineyards No. 7 and No. 8 are located on the Spring Mountain Road in St. Helena, within the Spring Mountain American Viticultural Area (AVA). The total area of the plots is just under 18 acres (about 7.28 hectares), of which the main plantings consist of Cabernet Sauvignon (about 4.99 hectares) and Chardonnay (about 1.38 hectares). The most important factor is elevation. The vineyard is located at an elevation of 2,020 feet, which is just over 615 meters above the valley floor. Thanks to this elevation, the vineyard experiences conditions that are entirely different from those of the flatlands of Rutherford and Oakville stretching below.
Why Spring Mountain reads differently
The Spring Mountain District is one of the American Viticultural Areas (AVAs) in the mountainous part of Napa, where elevation variations influence virtually every factor. It is cooler here during the day than at the bottom of the valley, and not as warm at night, which extends the growing season. Cabernet ripens more slowly, retaining its acidity. Chardonnay grown at such high elevations is a rarity for Napa; compared to grapes grown on warmer slopes, it develops a more concentrated flavor with pronounced mineral notes.
Vineyard 7 & 8 embody these characteristics perfectly. This winery considers its wines, first and foremost, to be a “reflection of the vineyards”, that is, they are crafted so that the individual character of this land is not overshadowed by the winemaking process in the cellar but is clearly discernible in the glass.
Two grapes, and now more
After years of having their focus on the two grape varities: Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay, they planted new varieties which include: Cabernet Franc (in 2015) and Petit Verdot (in 2015). They planted these on the steepest hillside slopes, on volcanic soils. The oldest Cabernet Sauvignon vines date back to 1983 with the youngest being from 2016.
Non-interventionist, and meant literally
Wesley Steffens leads the winemaking team, and his approach is described as “non-interventionist.” In practice, this means that the wine’s character is determined solely by the Spring Mountain grapes, and the winery avoids shaping it according to its own templates.
This winery positions its approach as producing wine “in its natural state, drawing on the true character of the terroir.” No flashy technologies, no intrusive techniques. For a Napa Cabernet producer, this is a low-key stance that sets him apart from others and aligns with the “humility” that Wesley Steffens uses to describe his work.
The range
The Vineyard 7 & 8 wine lineup has changed over the years with the inclusion of the new varieties planted. From its first vintage their new flagship wine the 2018 estate "Block Six". While remaining to produce with great care their Estate Chardonnay and Estate Cabernet Sauvignon. Currently, “Best of Wines” carries the 2018 and 2019 vintages of “Estate Chardonnay,” as well as the 2011, 2012, 2013, and 2018 vintages of “Estate Cabernet Sauvignon.” Tastings and visitations at the winery in St. Helena are available through appointment.
Frequently asked questions
Where is Vineyard 7 & 8 located?
On Spring Mountain Road in St. Helena, California, inside the Spring Mountain District AVA of Napa Valley, at about 615 metres elevation.
Who owns Vineyard 7 & 8?
The Steffens family, who bought the property in 1999. Wesley Steffens is Estate Director and Winemaker.
Where does the name come from?
From numerology. Seven symbolizes perseverance and the number 8 represents balance. The original vineyard also happened to be planted with roughly 7 and 8 acres of Cabernet and Chardonnay.
Is Vineyard 7 & 8 a big producer?
No. It is a small, single-estate operation working with roughly eighteen planted acres in total, split between four varieties.
