New Estate Winemaker
Spottswoode Estate Vineyard & Winery names
Beth Novak Milliken as Chief Executive Officer
Mary Novak, Founder of Spottswoode Estate Vineyard & Winery, has appointed the winery’s President, Beth Novak Milliken, to also serve as the Chief Executive Officer. This appointment coincides with Spottswoode Winery’s Thirtieth Anniversary and is an opportune time to reinforce the Novak family’s long-term stewardship of this historic Estate, which they purchased 40 years ago, in 1972.
Having grown up at the Spottswoode Estate, Beth was familiar with the Napa Valley wine industry, so after graduating from UCLA (including a year abroad, which further piqued her interest in and passion for wine) and a lengthy stint selling wine for a high quality San Francisco wine broker, she returned to work at Spottswoode in 1987. When she began working at the winery it was truly in its formative stages; she has thus played a significant role in building her family business. Over the next decade, her deep involvement in all aspects of the operation allowed her to understand the business and operational aspects of the winery, and in 1997 she was named President of Spottswoode.
In addition to her position as President and Chief Executive Officer, Beth has contributed countless hours and her energies to the wine industry both locally, nationally and internationally. Beth served as the President of the Napa Valley Vintners, being the first woman and youngest vintner to serve in this position. For the 30th annual Auction Napa Valley in 2010, Beth co-chaired this world-famous charity event along with her mother, Mary. She continues her work with Auction Napa Valley today, chairing the Bidder Procurement Committee, and is engaged and involved in many other community-oriented activities, particularly those focused on the environment and public education
“In our 30th year, it is a fitting time to reinforce the Novak family commitment to this historic estate,” stated Mary Novak “and allow me more time to fully appreciate its beauty and the fact that I have someone to carry our family business forward.” Beth will continue to oversee all aspects of the vineyard and winery as well as work on strategic planning to assure a continued focus on quality and authenticity for the wines emanating from Spottswoode Estate Vineyard & Winery, both now and into the future.
