When our family founded Flora Springs in the late 1970s, harvest was a family affair, with relatives and friends joining us from around the Bay Area to help us pick grapes over a couple of weekends.
As our vineyard holdings grew, we hired a full-time vineyard crew to help with harvest, though we still reserved a few rows for our family. In the early 1980s, everyone in Napa Valley picked during daylight, starting after sunrise and finishing up in the afternoon.
But our family came up with a better idea: why not pick the grapes at night when it’s nice and cool, and deliver them to the winery first thing in the morning for processing? It would be more comfortable for the harvest crew, and the fruit would better retain its acid and structure.
We jerry-rigged some lighting on a tractor and gave it a try, and quickly concluded it was a better way to go. Today, of course, nearly every winery in Napa Valley harvests at night; it results in superior fruit and happier vineyard crews.
This year we’re celebrating the fact that Flora Springs was among the first to implement night picking with a one-of-a-kind label created for our 2020 All Hallows’ Eve Cabernet Franc label. I worked with comic book illustrator, graphic novelist and digital comics pioneer, Steve Ellis, who developed one of my favorite labels to date. Against the backdrop of a full harvest moon, a menacing bat hovers above the Flora Springs vineyard where the crew brings in the Cabernet Franc for this wine. As I mentioned, harvesting at night keeps the grapes and pickers cool, but it may also attract the attention of these fierce creatures of the night!
Halloween is always a cause for celebration at Flora Springs, and all year long we look forward to releasing our Halloween Wines.
For 13 years now, we’ve paid tribute to our ghostly history by producing special Halloween wine bottles for our Wine Club and Mailing List Members. Some years a favorite label is sold out upon release to the Wine Club. We enjoy giving exclusive access to wines crafted with our Napa Valley estate-grown Cabernet Franc and Malbec.
General Manager Nat Komes has done it again! This year’s one-of-a-kind Halloween-themed label is sure to delight club members and All Hallows’ Eve lovers everywhere. Nat worked with comic book illustrator, graphic novelist and digital comics pioneer, Steve Ellis, to develop a label that just might be our scariest ever. Steve is no stranger to Flora Spring’s Halloween shenanigans, as he created the label for our 2017 All Hallows’ Eve Cabernet Franc. Against the backdrop of a full harvest moon, a menacing bat hovers above the Flora Springs vineyard where the crew brings in the Cabernet Franc for this wine. Harvesting at night, a practice the Komes Garvey family pioneered in the 1980s, keeps the grapes and pickers cool, but it may also attract the attention of these fierce creatures of the night. Harvest crew beware!
This limited-production Cabernet Franc has lovely aromas of sweet hay, black cherry, boysenberry and cassis that might just send shivers down your spine! With a warm entry and flavors of plum, cherry tobacco and worn leather, the wine is swathed in soft tannins and lengthened by notes of caramel, vanilla and mocha. Lavishly flavored and lush on the palate, the wine is finely balanced with a lingering finish of brown sugar, marshmallow and sassafras.
Halloween is always a cause for celebration at Flora Springs, and all year long we look forward to releasing our Halloween Wines.
For 13 spooky seasons now, we’ve paid tribute to our ghostly history by producing special Halloween wine bottles for our Wine Club and Mailing List Members. Some years, as with our 2020 All Hallows’ Eve Cabernet Franc, a favorite label is sold out upon release.
We invite Wine Club Members, locals, and friends to come and taste this one-of-a-kind new release and kick off the Halloween weekend at Wilfred’s Lounge in Downtown Napa. The 2020 All Hallows’ Eve Cabernet Franc is sold out, but we’ve held some in reserve exclusively for this event — very limited availability.
The Greasy Gills, the creatures from Oakland, will be playing instrumental twangy rock ‘n roll from 6:30 pm – 9:30 pm. To guarantee a table during the live music, make reservations for dinner. Seating at the bar is first-come, first-served.
Napa’s first and only tiki bar, the inspiration behind Wilfred’s Lounge lies with longtime Napa Valley family John & Nat Komes that brought you Flora Springs Winery. Our family’s take on a modern tiki bar is a layered experience that takes our passion for the beauty of Hawaii, the heritage of our vineyard and wine family, and an inspiring combination of food and beverage — that will take you on a journey you never expected, the way Uncle Wilfred would have imagined it. We’ve taken our roots and given them a twist to create a watering hole where both locals and visitors alike can experience the same touch of warm hospitality we’ve cultivated for over 40 years in Napa Valley. Learn more.
Join the 8th Annual Online Celebration of Cabernet Franc
Cabernet Franc is often considered a blending grape, but after farming a small block near John Komes’ home on the Rutherford side of the Komes Ranch for decades now, we know this grape can produce a luscious, smooth and rich wine that stands on its own.
For ten years now, Flora Springs General Manager Nat Komes has paid tribute to our ghostly history by producing special limited-edition, one-of-a-kind Halloween wine bottles for our Wine Club and Mailing List Members, one of which is a Cabernet Franc named All Hallows’ Eve. Some years a favorite label is sold out upon release.
Cabernet Franc Day
How to participate:
Join us online December 4. We’ll be talking about Cabernet Franc all day.
Our Halloween wines from Napa Valley are some of Flora Springs’ most anticipated annual releases. Learn more about our Wine Clubs to ensure an allocation of these limited, popular seasonal releases.
*Must be 21+ to enter. Void where prohibited. Wine will not be included in prize pack. Chance of winning depends on number of entries.
Halloween is always a cause for celebration at Flora Springs. After all, with one of the few remaining Napa Valley Ghost Wineries in Napa Valley, we are constantly reminded that there are phantoms and spirits who walked here before us. For the last decade we’ve paid tribute to our ghostly history by producing special Halloween wine bottles, which have become some of our most anticipated and highly sought after annual releases.
Whether you’re fully ready to get your spooky on with all of your friends or just looking to amp up a chill hang, we worked some magic to round up a few tips to conjure up a spooktacular Halloween.
At-Home Halloween Party Inspiration
1) Cast Your Spell With These Bewitching Halloween Wines Treat yourself and your guests with our one-of-a-kind Halloween-themed labels. Order early, as these limited-edition wines sell out quickly—plus, shipping may take longer this year. See this year’s spooky selections.
“With Halloween fast approaching, treat yourself to special bottles from Flora Springs. This iconic Napa Valley winery celebrates every Halloween with flair. This collectable bottle changes annually, but for each Halloween-themed label the winery’s General Manager, Nat Komes, collaborates with a variety of artists. Marc Sasso, an artist from New York known for comics, skateboards, and album covers, designed this “witches at a party” label. The sumptuously sleek wine inside is made with Cabernet Franc (the Good Witch of red grape varieties). It showcases dark berry fruit, mineral notes, and a supple texture for a serious wine with a whimsical touch.”Read more. —Leslie Sbrocco, San Francisco Bay Times
2) Impress With Jack-o-Lantern Baked Brie by The Okayest Moms Easy to make, fun, and delicious—the perfect appetizer! Find the recipe here.
3) Serve Up Pumpkin Cacio e Pepe by My Diary of Us A seasonally-inspired twist on a favorite pasta dish that’s cozy and hearty, find the recipe here.
4) Decorate Sustainably and On a Budget Look around your house and repurpose your succulents, houseplants or other decor to create a festive setting.
5) Experiment With a Different Color Palette Look to unique sources—like our 2019 All Hallows’ Eve Cabernet Franc label—and go beyond orange and black.
6) Make Your Photos Insta-Worthy Wow your followers with an epic photo of your Halloween celebration featuring a surprise smoke bomb, just like @wishesandwine.
Or, dress all in black and find a gorgeous background like @napavalleytip.
What ideas do you have in your bag of tricks? Share your Halloween photos with us on Instagram—tag @florasprings and use #florasprings. We’ll share the best of the bunch and one lucky Flora Springs fan will win a Flora Springs prize pack.*
*Must be 21+ to enter. Void where prohibited. Wine will not be included in prize pack. Chance of winning depends on number of entries.
Join the 7th Annual Online Celebration of Cabernet Franc
Cabernet Franc is often considered a blending grape, but after farming a small block near John Komes’ home on the Rutherford side of the Komes Ranch for decades now, we know this grape can produce a luscious, smooth and rich wine that stands on its own.
For the past seven years, Nat Komes has delighted in creating a limited-edition, one-of-a-kind Halloween Wine, a Cabernet Franc named All Hallows’ Eve.
Cabernet Franc Day
How to participate:
Join us online December 4. We’ll be talking about Cab Franc all day.
Our Halloween wines from Napa Valley are some of Flora Springs’ most anticipated annual releases. Learn more about our Wine Clubs to ensure an allocation of these limited, popular seasonal releases.
*Must be 21+ to enter. Void where prohibited. Wine will not be included in prize pack. Chance of winning depends on number of entries.
Halloween is always a cause for celebration at Flora Springs, and all year long we look forward to releasing our Halloween Wines. Over the last decade, these seasonal bottlings have become some of our most anticipated and highly sought after annual releases.
And though Halloween is different this year, we’re still going big. We’ve partnered with several very creative people who love Halloween as much as we do. Need Halloween inspiration? Look no further.
Creative Inspiration for your Halloween wine party and entertaining with Flora Springs and Recipes
Flora Springs has partnered with Riva Cucina for a Glass Fire relief Halloween event. Get your Trick or Treat on at Flora Springs’ Halloween Dinner Curbside Pickup event at our tasting room in St. Helena. No one does Halloween like Flora Springs, and with the holiday on a Saturday this year, we want to make sure you celebrate safely and in style!
We’re offering an Italian fall feast catered by Chef Massimiliano Boldrini. Boldrini is a native of Italy’s Emilia-Romagna region, Yountville resident, Napa Valley caterer, and owner of highly-acclaimed Riva Cucina in Berkeley. Boldrini’s hometown, Ferrara, is known for its Cappellacci Ferraresi, a recipe dating back to 1584 that was created for the Este family, who ruled the city for centuries. These hat-shaped pasta pouches are filled with butternut squash, or Zucca Violina, a variety that owes its name to the elongated shape similar to the musical instrument. Chef Massi has reinvented this recipe in a lasagna format for an easy at-home Halloween preparation. Our suggested wine pairings for the evening are the acclaimed 2019 Soliloquy and 2018 Ghost Winery Malbec.
Wine Club Manager Madeline Nossiter, Private Client Ambassador James Porter and others will be on-site to wish you a Happy Halloween. Whether you’re staying in for Halloween this year or need a convenient meal for your trick or treaters, this is a devilishly delicious option.
The Menu
(food portions serve 2-3 people)
LASAGNE ALLA ZUCCA E SALSICCIA
Layered housemade fresh pasta sheets with roasted butternut squash, traditional mild Italian sausage, soffritto and herbs, sage-infused bechamel, Parmigiano
-OR-
LASAGNE ALLA ZUCCA (vegetarian option- please note at checkout if you prefer a vegetarian option)
Layered housemade fresh pasta sheets with roasted butternut squash, soffritto and herbs, sage-infused bechamel, Parmigiano
BUDINO DI PANE
Bread pudding baked with apple, raisin, cinnamon and milk, caramel sauce
Only 100 dinners are available. Pre-purchase is required, and the order deadline is October 27.
Customers will be contacted to arrange a pick up time frame from 11 am – 5 pm. Serving instructions will be included.
The Wines
1 bottle of 2019 Soliloquy – named for our proprietary Sauvignon Blanc clone, an outstanding and singular clone which is entirely unique to Flora Springs
1 bottle of 2018 Ghost Winery Malbec – our Halloween wine is a tribute to our Ghost Winery
Pre-order Halloween Dinner
Halloween Dinner for Two + Two Wines: $200 (35% donated to Napa Valley Community Disaster Relief Fund)
Additional Dinner (serves 2-3 more people, wine not included): $60
Due to the donation nature of this event, no wine club or other discounts will be honored.
At the time of check out in the notes field please request your pick-up time (11 am – 5 pm), and also please request vegetarian option.
Please note Flora Springs will follow all safety and social distancing protocols. Guests will not be permitted to taste wines or dine on site. You are encouraged to stay in your car as your dinner and wines are delivered to you. Additional Flora Springs wines may be added or exchanged. There are no gluten-free, dairy-free or other special food requests are available. Flora Springs wine tasting is currently by appointment only and are very limited.
Join the 6th Annual Online Celebration of Cabernet Franc
Cabernet Franc is often considered a blending grape, but after farming a small block near John Komes’ home on the Rutherford side of the Komes Ranch for decades now, we know this grape can produce a luscious, smooth and rich wine that stands on its own.
For the past six years, Nat Komes has delighted in creating a limited-edition, one-of-a-kind Halloween Wine, a Cabernet Franc named All Hallows’ Eve.
How to participate:
Join us online December 4. We’ll be talking about Cab Franc all day.
This event is sold out. If you would like to be placed on the wait list, please contact us at (800) 913-1118 or info@florasprings.com.
The Flora Springs estate in St. Helena is home to one of the few remaining ghost wineries in Napa Valley, and one of the very few that have been revived as a working winery. We’ve often wondered about the history of our 19th century building. If its thick stone walls could talk, what would they say about this historic winery’s former inhabitants and passers-through? This longstanding intrigue was the inspiration for our Ghost Winery Malbec, an estate-grown wine we release each year at Halloween. It is also what led us to find out for ourselves if there are spirits still lingering in this place.
Introduced in 2018, our Ghost Winery Historical Tour and Tasting is one of Napa Valley’s most unique wine experiences. On select days each month through October, we partner with a team of paranormal investigators from Napa City Ghosts & Legends for a fascinating walking tour of our Ghost Winery accompanied by a tasting of our Ghost Winery Malbec and other Flora Springs wines. On this trip back in time, we meet the spirits who can’t quite tear themselves away from the place they once inhabited. Past encounters have included a Scottish barrel-maker with a taste for whiskey and a 1920s flapper who didn’t want the party to end. Our investigators tell us there are sixteen souls who still roam our old stone winery, and they are anxious to make themselves known. This is a fascinating, thought-provoking tour for believers and skeptics alike. And no matter which way you lean, you’ll enjoy our Ghost Winery Malbec, a wine we make in honor of our ethereal history.
Price: $75
Wine Club: $60 Limited to 12 guests.
Questions? Contact us at (800) 913-1118 or info@florasprings.com.
About Napa City Ghosts & Legends Ellen MacFarlane is a native Napan who has lived in Napa for over 30 years. She is the proud mother of three boys, likes writing, ghosts and travel. She grew up in Napa and knew by the age of 11 she wanted to work with ghosts.
Devin Sisk is a Paranormal Investigator and creator of the Benicia Ghost Walk. He has been in the paranormal field for 11+ years, and has logged over 650 cases. He has been featured on Animal Planet, Discovery Channel, Eye on the Bay and More.
Recently Ellen & Devin worked on the Travel Channel’s #1 Show, Ghost Adventures.
