Summit Lake Vineyard, the name sounds like a far away distant land. The vineyard is actually quite isolated, located on Howell Mountain on an elevation of over 2200 ft, just east of the town of St. Helena. The tiny outpost town of Angwin maintains a rural atmosphere which is in sharp contrast to the sophistication of it's neighbouring towns of Yountville and St. Helena. Summit Lake winery has been owned by the Brakesman's for over 30 years producing limited quantities of very fine Cabernet Sauvignon and Zinfandel. The vineyard is established over red Aiken clay, three feet deep throughout the whole property whereas towards the southeast side of Howell Mountain whiter, tufa-based volcanic soil is found.
Besides being a winery, Summitlake vineyards is also a small farm complete with ducks, pigs, goats, dogs, cats and a pony. On every visit to the valley we always spend an evening underneath the stars drinking wine and enjoying food prepared by Heather Griffin, Bob Brakesman's daughter and manager of the vineyard.
On this visit,
we spoke
softly
underneath a pink sky
surrounded
by wild flowers
and
sunflowers
and heavy trees,
some with figs
or almonds
and others with
apples
pears......and
the perfume of a hundred roses
got me drunk
even before my lips
had touched
a drop of wine.
we were
digging into lamb,
rice
and the most delicious cheese
accompanied by older vintages of the winery.
The photo above is of Heather who had run out to gather eggs from the hencoop.
2000, Summit Lake Drive
Angwin, Napa 94508
tel: 707 965 2488
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