Jayson Woodbridge Acquires Kelly Fleming Winery: A New Chapter for Napa Valley’s Wine Scene

The 286-acre estate, inclusive of 12 acres of vineyards, is now set to contribute to the Hundred Acre portfolio; Fleming has voiced concerns over the increasing complications of Napa’s regulations.

Finding a 300-acre estate in Napa Valley is a rarity. Typically, such acquisitions are driven by the highest offers. However, when Kelly Fleming decided to sell her estate and winery, she chose a neighbor committed to preserving the unity of the property. On August 16, Fleming confirmed her deal with Jayson Woodbridge, owner of Hundred Acre Wines, according to Wine Spectator.

Fleming expressed to Wine Spectator that maintaining the estate’s integrity was a key factor in her decision. “Jayson ensures the estate remains intact,” she said. “Selling the house and winery separately could have fragmented the small, cherished footprint of the property. In this arrangement, it continues to offer a quieter, more natural environment.”

This transaction involves the extensive 286-acre estate with a small portion under vine cultivation, primarily Cabernet Sauvignon, alongside a 5,000-square-foot winery, aging caves, and a separate living quarters. While Fleming will keep her brand and its stock, except for the production from 2022 and 2023 stored in barrels, the estate’s annual production stands at 1,000 cases. The financial details of the agreement remain undisclosed.

“I’ve watched the Fleming vineyard for a long time. I always thought it would be the perfect fit for Hundred Acre,” said Woodbridge.

Fleming’s property strategically butts up against Woodbridge’s Hundred Acre “Few and Far Between” estate, which includes five acres of vines amid 115 total acres. Combined, Woodbridge now owns approximately 400 contiguous acres.

The former Fleming vines will be incorporated into the Hundred Acre wine program, and Woodbridge says the residence and cave are a bonus. “Kelly’s caves will give Hundred Acre more room for fermentation as we grow. The acquisition also allows us to have guests in a limited capacity, something we don’t have available at ‘Few and Far Between,” he said.

Woodbridge has been actively pursuing opportunities in the valley in recent years. In July, he acquired Madrigal Winery in Calistoga, including eight acres of vines; in 2022, he acquired an 18-acre vineyard along Larkmead Lane. Two years earlier, he also purchased the David Fulton Ranch in St. Helena, which has become the home base for his new label, Fortunate Son.

As for Fleming, who established the winery in 1998, she mentioned her choice to sell was partly due to politics. “After 26 years, I was frankly exhausted from battling with Napa County and its regulations, witnessing the lasting effects of the Glass Fire on the property, and also the overall climate in the valley, where there is no backing for small family-run wineries,” she stated.

Both properties owned by Fleming and Woodbridge suffered considerable damage during the wildfires of 2020. Woodbridge is currently engaged in a lawsuit with the county concerning the optimal uses of his land.

Although the brand will persist, with Fleming selling existing and library wines, she plans not to remain in Napa and will divide her time between Texas and California. “I will be looking for unique vineyards to continue producing Cabernet,” she commented.

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