The deal includes the winery, a house, a commercial kitchen, a natural cave, and a sprawling 116ha estate, with just 5ha currently under vine.
Kelly Fleming Wines is located on the east side of Napa Valley, in between Calistoga and St Helena.
The Kelly Fleming estate borders Hundred Acre’s ‘Few and Far Between’ vineyard. They will now merge, creating a combined 162ha property.
‘We are proud and privileged to have acquired this property, which we have long admired, from Kelly,’ said Woodbridge.
‘Kelly began her venture into winemaking alongside Jim Barbour, the original viticulturist for Hundred Acre, starting 25 years ago. To this day, he remains among the finest in the industry. Barbour Vineyards has recommitted to cultivating our fields.’
Woodbridge, who was born in Toronto in October 1963, ventured into Napa Valley in 1999 with no prior experience in winemaking.
Despite his initial lack of experience, he swiftly acquired expertise by working closely with renowned winemakers such as Philippe Melka, based in St Helena.
Together with his wife, Helena, he established the Hundred Acre winery. The couple exclusively owns the company, with Woodbridge serving as the principal winemaker.
Woodbridge has emerged as a significant figure in the wine industry, recognized for scoring multiple 100-point reviews from Decanter‘s reviewers, though he is also known for his involvement in various controversies including lawsuits and disputes.
In his recent strategic moves to expand his wine empire, he acquired the 4ha property of Madrigal Family Winery, situated between Calistoga and St Helena, in July. His other notable acquisitions include the historic David Fulton Ranch in 2020 and a 7ha vineyard on Calistoga’s Larkmead Lane in 2022.
The Kelly Fleming winery is uniquely integrated into the hillside, reminiscent of the ‘The Ring’ winery by Hundred Acre. This enables enhanced barrel fermentation processes within its caverns, aligning with Hundred Acre’s dedication to micro fermentations and meticulous selection processes.
Kelly Fleming expressed, ‘Acquiring this property in 1998, I envisioned building an estate that reflected the unique qualities of this volcanic canyon terroir. It’s gratifying to see that vision realized.’
‘I’ve maintained the pristine condition of this estate vineyard, ensuring it remains a remarkable location for visitors to enjoy and celebrate Cabernet Sauvignon. I am excited for the Woodbridge family to continue this legacy, applying their expert craftsmanship to the wines they will produce here.’