Dear Loyal Customers,

This Independence Day, we would like to declare our own Independence from The Peoples Republic of St. Helena. Like our forefathers, and all the vintners who have ever crossed paths with “The City of St. Helena,” there is something truly freeing about declaring Independence from a body of government that oppresses people’s dream to build a better life – especially in the center of Napa Valley’s wine country. Our Proclamation reads:

 


Whereas, our relationship with “The City” has been a very contentious one…From the moment we arrived in St. Helena in 1994, “The City” did everything in its power to try to derail our dream of a home, a vineyard, and a multi-generational family winery.

Wheras, after two lawsuits (one won, one lost), “The City” has viewed us as rogues, scoundrels, and as a “violator” of their grand design for the people in The City of St. Helena.

Wheras, we are not a family to be pushed around, as many of you know. All we wanted was to “Do it My Way,” (We tip our cap to Frank Sinatra); while Paulette’s French relatives in Bordeaux would view it more appropriately as “Comme il Faut” – (The Correct Way!)

From here forth, this July 4, 2007, St Helena Winery hereby declares our Independence from the bureaucratic insanities of the local government. We proclaim this freedom and celebrate with the uncorking of a new wine in “Violation” of the status quo.   


Signed this day, July 4, 2007

With this Proclamation and all of our history as a winery, we cannot think of a more appropriate name for our new 100% Petite Sirah reserve bottling than “Violation.” It perfectly describes our relationship with “The City” and our deviation away from a purely Cabernet Sauvignon based wine. The fruit from this bottling was sourced from beautiful, lush, and rather large Petite Sirah grape clusters from vines inside Block #5 of our Estate Vineyard. We only produced 68 cases, which is very limited and will sell out quickly. We hope during this National Holiday that you’ll declare your own Independence by purchasing your own Violation. 

Now, here’s some less controversial news. We recently finished bottling 1,500 cases of wine from the 2005 vintage, including Sympa, Scandale, Violation, as well as my son Kristian’s label Seduire, and our daughter Kimberly’s Ravenous label. We’ll keep you updated on their release schedule. 

We hope you all have a safe and wonderful Independence Day holiday. May all your “Violations” be delicious ones!

Cheers,

Peter and Paulette Story

peter@sthelenawinery.com
www.sthelenawinery.com
1-877-245-6006 (toll free)

 

P.S. Click here to read our past newsletters. You can also find out more details on our wines here.
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