Newton Vineyard

Newton Vineyard was one of the first wineries in the Spring Mountain AVA in Napa Valley, established in 1977 by Dr Su Hua and Peter Newton. In 1990, Newton was the first winery to produce and sell an unfiltered Chardonnay within the United States, making it a pioneer in the Napa wine industry. While the Chardonnay tends to be Newton's most well-known and popular wine, it also makes powerful red wines that have become renowned across the world.

The Spring Mountain property lies on a steep slope with altitudes ranging between 490-1600ft (150-490m) in the Mayacamas Mountain range, which separates Napa Valley from Sonoma County. In total the Newton estate has 260 hectares (640 acres) divided into 112 parcels, all planted to specific varieties, including Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, and Chardonnay. All 112 parcels are vinified separately, so the winemaking team has plenty of options for putting together a final blend before bottling. In addition to the estate property, Newton also has holdings in Yountville, Mount Veeder, and Carneros, which the company uses for blends.

The Puzzle is considered to be Newton's "cru" wine, a Cabernet Sauvignon sourced from the best parcels on the Spring Mountain, Mount Veeder, and Yountville properties. A bold and brawny Cabernet, it greatly benefits with time in the cellar. In addition to the famous unfiltered Chardonnay, Newton also produces an unfiltered Cabernet Sauvignon and a Merlot. Those too impatient to cellar their wines can enjoy Newton's Red Label wines, a Cabernet Sauvignon, Claret, and Chardonnay that are made to enjoy after bottling and are at a friendlier price point.

In 2001, part of Newton was sold to luxury group LVMH, and it continues to be one of the internationally better known producers in Napa Valley. The founders previously founded Sterling Vineyards, also in Napa Valley, but sold it to Coca Cola in the 1970s.