FLORA SPRINGS WINERY

by Diana Greenwood
One way to show the world you’re a family winery is to name the business after Mom. Back in 1977, when Flora and Jerry Komes bought Napa Valley vineyard property, the idea was to retire, admire sweeping views from the front porch, and grow a few grapes just for fun. But the kids, John Komes and Julie Komes Garvey, along with their spouses, had a bigger plan inspired by the land and driven by a passion to learn. In 1978, the two couples invited friends to help pick grapes for their first crush and the following spring, Flora Springs Winery & Vineyards became a bonded winery with a license to make wine. Family opinions differ about the wines from that first harvest but everyone agrees that the very next vintage put Flora Springs Winery on the map with a winning Chardonnay. Sometimes the kids are right.
Thirty years, two tasting rooms, ten vineyards and 650 acres later, the keys have been handed to the next generation and the kids are taking over again. Nat Komes, the son of John and Carrie Komes, has recently been named General Manager. His cousin, Sean Garvey, the son of Julie and Pat Garvey, is now the winery’s Director of Communications and Production. The family philosophy remains unchanged – winemaking is all about respect for the mysteries of nature. At Flora Springs, wine is more than a luscious beverage to enjoy with food. It’s a total sensory experience that begins with the slant of sun on soil and the scent of grapes ripe on vines; it’s the bees and the weather, the sweat of the crew, the clink of bottles on the line, and the chatter of the tasting room staff. A visit to Flora Springs is a rewarding experience to the last drop of wine in your glass and that’s the legacy that Nat Komes and Sean Garvey continue to honor as the two toast the future.
The working winery and 1,000 linear feet of caves, located at 1978 West Zinfandel Lane, are open for private tours and tasting by appointment for a $15 fee, a treat any time but especially now while Flora Springs’ tasting room on Highway 29 in St. Helena is under renovation. There’s also a VIP tour for $30 that includes a stroll through the historic winery, converted to solar in 2007, a walk through Flora Springs’ sustainably-farmed estate vineyards and the hillside caves where you’ll barrel sample some of the futures. Next you’ll taste a selection of current releases while enjoying the sweeping vineyard views at an outdoor table under the pavilion, shaded by ancient oaks and surrounded by the sounds and scents of nature.
A pristine setting at the end of a country road, over a covered bridge, around a bend, and tucked against the hills, Flora Springs is a welcoming, friendly place. As John Komes once said, “We’re fortunate to be in this beautiful spot and people love to come here to admire and appreciate nature’s work. We always tell guests that we’re not into the snooty end of things and our wines are affordable because we sell wine, not attitude.”
Flora Springs is unpretentious but the wines are big, bold and memorable. Winemaker, Paul Steinauer, part of the extended family since 1990 and former Assistant Winemaker, recommends Soliloquy as a perfect introduction to the wines of Flora Springs. Originally introduced in 1989, this 100% Oakville Sauvignon Blanc is still crafted in a style unique to Napa Valley white wine, exemplifying the winery’s understanding of tradition. The 2006 Soliloquy is vibrant with oak-inspired citrus peel, peach, fig, and creamy honey-vanilla flavors and recently received 91 points from the Wine Enthusiast and 90 points from Robert Parker. This is your perfect summer wine and will harmonize with everything from burgers to grilled salmon.
Another signature wine from Flora Springs that you won’t want to miss is Trilogy, a gutsy Bordeaux blend made primarily from vineyards surrounding the winery. The 2005 may be the boldest to date in this wine’s long history. It exhibits the classic Trilogy attributes with a lovely cassis and cherry bouquet as well as huge black fruit flavors that envelope the palate. In this blend, each varietal is vital to the outcome – the Cabernet exhibits black cherry and dark cocoa character, while the Merlot carries these flavors to the back of the palate where the Cabernet Franc adds notes of coffee and toffee to the finish. Unrelenting with power and grace, the 2005 Trilogy is the perfect wine to mark Flora Springs’ 30th anniversary year.
Flora Springs makes a delicious Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon that year after year exhibits all the classic characteristics true Cab fans expect. The 2004 vintage, available now, presents full, forward, mouth-filling black cherry fruit with cassis and cocoa that moves across the palate into a smooth and lingering finish. This is your special occasion wine and should grace your summer table paired with seasoned meats or red sauce pasta dishes. Called “a seriously profound, rich and concentrated wine” by one critic, this Cab wows everyone.
Flora Springs also produces a luscious barrel-fermented Char­donnay and a Napa Valley Merlot as well as four small-production, vineyard-designated Cabernet Sauvignons: Rutherford Hillside Reserve, Wild Boar, Holy Smoke, and Out of Sight. After 30 years, the old family mantra still holds true: “We never wanted to be the biggest kid on the block; just the best kid on the block.”
But the next generation is not standing still. Nat Komes and Sean Garvey are ready to seize the future with the unveiling of the new tasting room in St. Helena on August 8, 2008. Located at 677 S. St. Helena Highway, “The Room” promises to be an exciting, contemporary space inspired by the rolling hillsides that are the home to Flora Springs vineyards, natural springs, barrel-aging caves, and winery. The exterior is finished with a rough concrete stucco, while inside, the curved tasting bar, furniture and fixtures are finished in oak with stainless steel accents. Designed by architect, Joel Miroglio, in collaboration with John Komes, every detail relates back to winemaking in the new space and features include a 32-foot-long tasting bar, three private tasting rooms, and an indoor/outdoor elevated covered picnic area. “With Miroglio’s expertise, we’ve created a striking structure that serves as a contemporary interpretation of our winery,” said Nat Komes.
Mark your calendars and don’t miss the grand opening of this innovative space, yet another moment of excellence in thirty years for Flora Springs Winery & Vineyards and the family that sells wine, not attitude. To visit the working winery at 1978 West Zinfandel Lane, call (707) 967-6723 for an appointment or visit the website at www.florasprings.com for additional information and upcoming events.

Related Information

• Flora Springs Wine Co.