NAPA VALLEY, CA — November 4, 2024 — Suzanne Deal Booth, the owner of the renowned Bella Oaks Vineyard in Napa Valley, has completed a deal to acquire the Wheeler Farms winery from the Araujo family, Wine Spectator has confirmed. The purchase adds to Booth’s growing portfolio and solidifies her presence in the Rutherford appellation of Napa Valley, where Bella Oaks Vineyard is located.
The Wheeler Farms winery, which sits on a prime parcel of land near Zinfandel Lane east of Highway 29, is known for its custom crush services, producing wines for a number of prestigious labels. These include Booth’s Bella Oaks, as well as the Araujos’ Accendo Cellars. The facility also serves as the production site for several other brands, including Kinsman Eades, Annulus, J.H. Wheeler, and additional projects crafted by renowned winemaker Nigel Kinsman.
The acquisition includes a nearly 7-acre vineyard surrounding the winery, though the financial terms of the deal have not been disclosed. The facility, which is not only a winery but also a licensed hospitality center, allows its clients to host tastings and culinary events, enhancing its appeal as a high-end wine destination.
A Longstanding Relationship Between Booth and the Araujos
Booth’s connection to Wheeler Farms dates back several years. Since purchasing Bella Oaks in 2010, Booth’s wine has been produced at the Wheeler Farms facility, beginning with the 2017 vintage. In addition to her ownership of Bella Oaks, Booth has been an investor in Wheeler Farms since 2021. She described her relationship with the Araujos as one of longstanding friendship and shared values, particularly their mutual commitment to organic and biodynamic farming practices in Napa Valley.
“Our friendship goes back many years, even prior to my thinking about a property here in Napa Valley,” Booth said. “I’ve always had a lot in common with the Araujos and their approach to farming. It’s a great fit in that regard.”
Booth’s acquisition of Wheeler Farms is seen as a natural next step in her vision for the estate. In 2021, she also acquired the former Swanson Winery property, located just down the road from Bella Oaks, and is currently seeking approval from Napa County for a significant update to that facility. While those plans are still in the approval process, Booth views Wheeler Farms as a more immediate opportunity.
A Shared Commitment to Excellence
In a joint statement, Bart and Daphne Araujo expressed their enthusiasm for the sale, noting that Booth is a “kindred spirit” who shares their passion for Napa Valley’s winemaking history and commitment to excellence. “Suzanne’s acquisition is the logical next step in the continuing evolution of Wheeler Farms as an elite, world-class winegrowing and experiential visitor center,” the Araujos stated.
Shae Kinsman, wife of winemaker Nigel Kinsman, currently serves as general manager for both Bella Oaks and Wheeler Farms, where she oversees operations and the property’s high-end hospitality program. The program includes an in-house culinary team and draws on a biodynamically farmed vegetable garden located on the grounds.
A Legacy of Napa Viticulture
Wheeler Farms has a long history in Napa Valley, dating back to the late 1800s. The property was originally established by Charles H. Wheeler, one of the largest landowners in the St. Helena area at the time, and it included both vineyards and orchards. The winery and vineyards were passed down to his son, J.H. Wheeler, a pioneer in Napa’s winemaking community. The Araujos’ J.H. Wheeler label is named in his honor.
By 2013, only 11 acres of the original Wheeler property remained in the family, and the Araujos, along with a small group of investors, purchased the remaining parcel. This purchase followed the Araujos’ high-profile sale of Eisele Vineyard in Calistoga to Artémis Domaines, the parent company of Château Latour and other prestigious estates in France.
For Booth, the acquisition of Wheeler Farms is not only a business opportunity but a personal one. “I’ve had a good experience with Bella Oaks so far,” she said. “It’s been a project that keeps giving, emotionally, to me. I’m very optimistic about the future and the legacy we can continue to build in Napa Valley.”
As the winery moves into its next chapter under Booth’s ownership, the acquisition of Wheeler Farms marks a significant step in the ongoing development of Napa Valley’s high-end wine industry, with an emphasis on quality, tradition, and sustainability.
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