The California Central Coast is renowned for its picturesque landscapes, world-class wineries, and storied estates that have shaped the region’s identity. Among the notable properties in this area, the Kelley Simmons Estate has drawn attention for its unique blend of natural beauty, viticultural excellence, and historical significance. However, upon thorough research, there is no direct evidence or record of a “Kelley Simmons Estate” specifically located on the California Central Coast. Instead, the most prominent and closely related estate is the Kelly Fleming Winery, a celebrated property situated in Simmons Canyon between Calistoga and St. Helena, on the eastern side of Napa Valley.
This article will explore the history, features, and legacy of the Kelly Fleming Winery, its recent acquisition, and its significance within California’s wine country, clarifying any confusion with the name “Kelley Simmons Estate.”
The Location: Simmons Canyon and Napa Valley
Simmons Canyon is a dramatic volcanic canyon nestled between Calistoga and St. Helena, on the east side of Napa Valley. The region is characterized by its sloping hills, ancient oaks, olive trees, and sweeping vistas, making it an ideal location for premium vineyards. The terroir of Simmons Canyon is particularly prized for its volcanic soils and unique microclimate, both of which contribute to the cultivation of exceptional Cabernet Sauvignon and other varietals. The Kelly Fleming Winery, now part of the Hundred Acre Wine Group, occupies a significant portion of this canyon, with a total estate size of 286 acres.
The Vision and Founding of Kelly Fleming Winery
Kelly Fleming acquired the Simmons Canyon property in 1998 with a vision to create an estate that would honor and enhance the natural beauty and viticultural potential of the land. Her goal was to establish a winery that would be worthy of the canyon’s special terroir, focusing on sustainable farming and meticulous winemaking. In 1999, Fleming planted the first Cabernet Sauvignon vines, and by 2002, the winery released its inaugural vintage. The estate’s first winemaker was Celia Welch, a respected figure in Napa Valley, followed by Rebecca George, who crafted the wines from 2013 to 2020. Fleming’s commitment to quality and her all-female winemaking and management team became hallmarks of the estate’s identity.
Estate Features and Facilities
The Kelly Fleming Winery estate is notable for its blend of functional elegance and environmental sensitivity. The property encompasses 12 acres of meticulously farmed vineyards, a 5,000-square-foot stone winery, and a 7,000-square-foot natural rock cave used for barrel aging. The winery facilities are carved directly into the hillside, mirroring the design of other prestigious Napa Valley wineries and providing optimal conditions for wine production and storage. Additionally, the estate includes a commercial kitchen, outdoor fireplaces, entertainment areas, and a classic stone residence perched on an adjacent knoll. These features make the estate not only a center for winemaking but also a memorable destination for visitors and wine enthusiasts.
Winemaking Philosophy and Practices
The winemaking approach at Kelly Fleming Winery has always been characterized by attention to detail, sustainability, and respect for the land. The estate’s vineyards are managed with minimal water usage, the application of specially made organic composts, and careful soil building over decades. The vineyard team employs rigorous pruning and pre-pruning techniques to ensure low yields and high-quality fruit. Harvesting is conducted with precision, often involving multiple passes through each block to select only the best grapes at optimal ripeness. Each pass is fermented separately, allowing for nuanced blending and the creation of wines with depth, complexity, and a distinct sense of place.
Signature Wines and Releases
The estate’s flagship offering is its Estate Cabernet Sauvignon, which has garnered acclaim for its balance, structure, and expression of Simmons Canyon terroir. In addition to the Cabernet Sauvignon, the winery produces The Bear & The Bee Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon and Queen Bee, a proprietary reserve Sauvignon Blanc. Notably, Kelly Fleming’s next release consists of a vertical selection of Estate Cabernet Sauvignon from 2014 to 2019, the 2019 Bear & The Bee Reserve, and the 2023 Queen Bee Sauvignon Blanc. These wines are available through the winery’s website and represent the culmination of years of dedication to quality and craftsmanship.
The Acquisition by Hundred Acre Wine Group
In August 2024, the Kelly Fleming Winery was acquired by Jayson Woodbridge, founder and owner of the Hundred Acre Wine Group. Woodbridge is renowned for his meticulous approach to winemaking and his commitment to producing some of Napa Valley’s most sought-after wines. The acquisition brought together the Fleming estate’s 286 acres with Hundred Acre’s adjoining “Few and Far Between” vineyard, a five-acre plot within a 115-acre property. The combined holdings now total approximately 400 acres, creating one of the most significant vineyard portfolios in the region.
Woodbridge’s vision for the estate aligns closely with Fleming’s original philosophy. He emphasizes the importance of careful vineyard management, low yields, and multiple harvest passes to ensure only the best fruit is selected. The addition of the Fleming estate’s cave facilities will allow for increased barrel fermentations, a process central to Hundred Acre’s signature style. Woodbridge has expressed pride in acquiring a property he has long admired and is committed to maintaining the legacy established by Kelly Fleming.
The Legacy of Kelly Fleming
Kelly Fleming’s impact on the estate and the broader Napa Valley wine community is significant. Her vision transformed a rugged canyon property into a world-class vineyard and winery, recognized for its commitment to quality, sustainability, and innovation. Fleming’s leadership in assembling an all-female winemaking and management team set a standard for diversity and excellence in the industry. As she passes the torch to Jayson Woodbridge and the Hundred Acre team, Fleming leaves behind a legacy of stewardship, creativity, and respect for the land.
The Future of the Estate
Under the ownership of Hundred Acre Wine Group, the estate is poised to enter a new chapter of excellence and innovation. The first harvest from the formerly Kelly Fleming vineyards under the new ownership is scheduled for fall 2024, with wines to be released under the Hundred Acre label. The estate will continue to welcome guests by invitation only, starting in spring 2025, offering an exclusive and immersive experience in one of Napa Valley’s most beautiful settings. The integration of the Fleming and Hundred Acre properties is expected to yield new expressions of Cabernet Sauvignon and other varietals, further enhancing the reputation of Simmons Canyon as a premier winegrowing region.
The Importance of Simmons Canyon Terroir
The unique terroir of Simmons Canyon is central to the estate’s identity and success. The volcanic soils, combined with the canyon’s microclimate, create ideal conditions for growing Cabernet Sauvignon with intensity, structure, and complexity. The careful stewardship of the land, from vineyard management to winemaking, ensures that each bottle reflects the character of the place. The estate’s commitment to sustainability, minimal water usage, and organic practices further enhances the quality and longevity of the vineyards, preserving them for future generations.
Clarifying the Name: Kelley Simmons Estate
It is important to note that there is no verifiable record of a “Kelley Simmons Estate” specifically located on the California Central Coast. The closest and most relevant property is the Kelly Fleming Winery, located in Simmons Canyon, Napa Valley. The similarity in names may have led to some confusion, but all available information and recent developments pertain to the Kelly Fleming Winery and its transition to the Hundred Acre Wine Group. Other references to individuals named Kelley Simmons, such as a program manager or a family support officer, are unrelated to the wine industry or the Central Coast region.
Conclusion
The story of the Kelly Fleming Winery in Simmons Canyon is a testament to vision, perseverance, and the enduring appeal of Napa Valley’s unique terroir. From its founding by Kelly Fleming in 1998 to its recent acquisition by Jayson Woodbridge and the Hundred Acre Wine Group, the estate has remained committed to excellence in viticulture and winemaking. The property’s dramatic setting, state-of-the-art facilities, and legacy of female leadership have made it a standout in California’s wine country. As the estate embarks on a new chapter under Hundred Acre’s stewardship, it continues to embody the spirit of innovation, sustainability, and respect for the land that defines the best of the California Central Coast and Napa Valley.
The Kelly Fleming Winery’s journey illustrates the importance of honoring tradition while embracing change, ensuring that the estate will remain a beacon of quality and inspiration for years to come. While there is no direct evidence of a “Kelley Simmons Estate” in the Central Coast, the legacy of the Kelly Fleming Winery in Simmons Canyon stands as a remarkable example of what can be achieved through vision, dedication, and a deep connection to the land.
To sum up, the story of the Kelly Fleming Winery in Simmons Canyon shows how dedication and care for the land can create something truly special in Napa Valley. For more stories like this, visit thisolderhouse.
