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As hands-on vintners, Pat and Anne Stotesbery have dedicated more than two decades building Ladera into one of Napa Valley’s most esteemed wineries, with a reputation for making exceptional mountain Cabernet Sauvignons. While many wineries focus on mountain grapes to create extremely powerful wines, the Stotesberys champion a more complex and balanced style, where bright, fresh aromas and pure varietal flavors are accentuated by silky tannins and sophisticated structures. “We make wines that are authentic to what we value and appreciate—wines that we are proud to share over a meal with friends,” says Anne.
The seeds for Ladera were planted in the early 1970s, when Pat and Anne fell in love, and discovered a shared passion for wine, while attending university in Northern California. Though they spent the next two decades as ranchers, their interest in wine continued to grow, and they acquired their first vineyard property on Mount Veeder in 1996. The following year, they purchased the Lone Canyon Vineyard, which would become the source for Ladera’s acclaimed early wines. They found that they loved growing grapes and making wine. They also recognized that life in Napa Valley would allow them to raise their children in an agrarian environment, where they could have a deeper connection with the land.
In 2000, this desire led the Stotesberys to acquire a historic property on Howell Mountain. Moving their family to Napa Valley, they dedicated themselves to Ladera full-time. Sharing desks side by side, Pat focused on the vineyard and winemaking, while Anne guided Ladera’s hospitality and wine club programs. The winery quickly flourished, recognized both for the exceptional quality of its wines, and its warm, inviting nature. Beyond Ladera, Pat became an advocate for the community, serving as president for both the Howell Mountain Vintners and Growers Association and the Napa Valley Vintners. In 2016, with their children grown, Pat and Anne decided to sell their Howell Mountain property. “It was too big for us, and taking care of it was more than a full-time job,” says Pat. “We wanted to focus our energies on doing what we love the most—making great wines. Because of the relationships we have formed, we are fortunate to be able to partner with Napa Valley’s greatest growers in pursuit of this vision.”
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