Anne and Pat Stotesbery’s journey from Montana ranchers to Napa Valley vintners is a tale of unexpected twists. Their decades spent raising Black Angus cattle laid the groundwork for their resilience, which became crucial when they made a spontaneous decision during a vacation in 1996 to buy a 20-acre vineyard, now known as Ladera Vineyards.

Both Anne and Pat met while attending college in the San Francisco Bay Area, with Anne at the University of San Francisco and Pat at Stanford University, and would often visit Napa Valley, sparking their interest in wine. This leap into winemaking was fueled by their agricultural instincts, honed in the challenging climate of Big Sky Country, which proved invaluable in Napa’s rugged landscape.

The name “Ladera,” meaning “slope” in Spanish and Italian, reflects their philosophy that elevation profoundly influences wine quality. The Stotesberys’ early acquisitions in steep regions like Mount Veeder and Howell Mountain taught them that mountain-grown grapes, stressed by thin soils and cooler temperatures, produce wines with exceptional structure. Though they sold the Howell Mountain property in 2016 to The PlumpJack Group, their commitment to low yields and careful site selection remains strong.

Ladera’s approach to Cabernet Sauvignon is meticulous. Each harvest involves isolating 40–60 lots, which are fermented and aged separately. Over two years, these lots undergo blind tastings every four months, with only those that achieve a perfect balance of acidity, fruit complexity, and minerality making the cut. Subtlety isn’t accidental; it’s born in the vineyard. The result is a collection of wines that age beautifully, revealing layers of flavor over time.

In an exciting twist for 2023, Ladera introduced a limited Chenin Blanc sourced from Ryan’s Vineyard in Oak Knoll. Once the most widely planted grape in Napa, Chenin had nearly disappeared but found new life when part of their Sauvignon Blanc block was budded over. This crisp yet textured wine serves as a bridge between their vibrant Sauvignon Blanc and richer Chardonnay, reflecting both tradition and the region’s evolving landscape.

Ladera Vineyards made a strategic pivot to the Russian River Valley, shifting their focus from mountain-grown grapes to the rich terroir of this renowned wine region. This transition began with the acquisition of Pillow Road Vineyard in 2006, which specializes in Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. The Stotesberys recognized that the cooler climate and diverse soils of the Russian River Valley would allow them to craft wines with distinct characteristics that complement their existing portfolio of mountain wines. By incorporating clones such as Pommard 4, Calera, and Swan, Ladera has been able to produce Pinot Noirs that are classic in style, showcasing medium body and vibrant acidity. This move not only diversified their offerings but also allowed them to explore the nuanced differences between grape clones, enhancing their winemaking approach. 

As Napa navigates a market correction with falling bulk wine prices, Ladera’s pivot to ultra-small-lot production in 2016 has proven wise. Dan Stotesbery, vintner, emphasizes that “scale distracts from purpose,” leading them to halve production and avoid fleeting trends. Their estate on Silverado Trail embodies this philosophy; tastings here focus on perspective rather than just pours, with each glass telling the story of the mountains that shaped it.

Three decades into their winemaking journey, Ladera continues to be an intimate affair. Their story mirrors their wines: marked by restraint rather than excess. In an industry often focused on immediate gratification, the Stotesbury family prioritizes a well thought out long game to weather anything that comes their way. 

The wines featured in the Wine Recommendations section were provided by the winery for the purpose of review. The selection and tasting of these wines were independently conducted. No compensation or incentives were provided for inclusion in the story. As always, the top priority is to provide readers with informative reporting.

Wine Recommendations

2021 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, Howell Mountain-  boasts a core of rich blackberry and cassis notes. Nuances of cocoa, and a touch of nutmeg add complexity to the aromatic profile. Firm tannins and vibrant acidity promise remarkable aging potential, while the full-bodied character delivers a satisfyingly long finish.

2021 Cabernet Sauvignon, Atlas Peak- rich and complex, coating the palate with velvety tannins, offering a profile of blackberry and black cherry.  Subtle notes of spice, chocolate and toasty oak adding depth and nuance. This wine is poised to evolve gracefully over the next decade.

2021 Pinot Noir, Pillow Road Vineyard-reveals strawberries and raspberries intertwined with cherry blossom, complemented by silky tannins and refreshing acidity, creating a vibrant and lively mouthfeel. 

2021 Chardonnay, Pillow Road Vineyard- bursts with white stone fruit, Meyer lemon, and pear aromas. This full-bodied wine displays complex notes and bright fruit tones balanced by notable minerality.

2023 Sauvignon Blanc, Napa Valley- striking aromas of melon, white peach, and citrus, complemented by a touch of honey. The vibrant palate offers a silky texture and staining acidity that drives a long, flavorful finish, leaving an indelible impression.