Suzanne Deal Booth, owner of the historic Bella Oaks Vineyard in Napa Valley’s Rutherford appellation, has finalized a deal to purchase the Wheeler Farms winery facility from the Araujo family, Wine Spectator has learned. Wheeler Farms has a high-profile list of custom crush clients, including Booth’s own Bella Oaks label. Other wines made at the facility include the Araujos’ Accendo Cellars as well as additional brands made by winemaker Nigel Kinsman—including Kinsman Eades, Annulus and J.H. Wheeler—and other projects.
The deal also includes a nearly 7-acre vineyard located around the facility, which is situated on Zinfandel Lane, east of Highway 29. The purchase price was not disclosed.
A Deal Among Napa Friends
The purchase essentially keeps Wheeler Farms among friends. Booth purchased the historic Bella Oaks estate in 2010, and her wine has been produced at Wheeler Farms since its first vintage in 2017. She has also been an investor in Wheeler Farms since 2021.
“Our friendship goes back many years, even prior to my thinking about a property here in Napa Valley,” said Booth. “I met the Araujos through the Staglins. And I think through our ongoing relationship, just being down the street from each other, so to speak, it came about. I’ve always had a lot in common with the Araujos and their approach to farming, using organic and biodynamic techniques in their vineyards. That’s very important to me. So it’s a great fit in that regard as well.”
Back in 2021, Booth acquired the former Swanson winery facility, located on Manley Lane and adjacent to Bella Oaks. She has been securing permit approval from Napa County for a modification of that facility that would bring it up to date. “That project is likely years off. So Wheeler Farms seems to be a pretty logical extension for me,” said Booth.
“Suzanne’s acquisition is the logical next step in the continuing evolution of Wheeler Farms as an elite world-class winegrowing and experiential visitor center,” said Bart and Daphne Araujo in a statement. “Suzanne shares our passion and commitment to excellence in all aspects of Napa Valley history and tradition, as she has demonstrated so beautifully at Bella Oaks. The legacy we started is being passed on to a very kindred spirit.”
Shae Kinsman, Nigel’s wife, is now general manager for Bella Oaks as well as for Wheeler Farms, which, in addition to its production facility, also boasts high-end hospitality infrastructure for its various brands’ clientele. The hospitality program includes an in-house culinary team and draws on a biodynamically farmed vegetable garden situated on the property.
A Piece of Napa History
Wheeler Farms was originally established in the late 1800s by Charles H. Wheeler, one of the largest landowners in the St. Helena area at the time. In its early days, the property included a winery and grapevines along with fruit and nut orchards.
Charles’ son, J.H. Wheeler, was an early pioneer of viticulture and winemaking—the Araujos’ J.H. Wheeler label is named in his honor. But by 2013, only 11 acres remained in the Wheeler family, and the Araujos purchased the last remaining piece of the former estate with a small group of investors. The purchase came on the heels of the Araujos’ sale of Eisele Vineyard in Calistoga to Artémis Domaines, owners of Château Latour, Château Grillet and other properties in France.
“I’ve had a good experience with Bella Oaks so far,” said Booth. “It’s been a project that keeps giving, emotionally, to me. Wine is one of the oldest beverages in the world. I like the idea of providing a kind of product that is appreciated and cherished for how it’s made and how it’s farmed. I’m very optimistic.”
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