Amizetta Estate

Amizetta Estate is a small Howell Mountain property that has been producing structured, age-worthy Cabernets from rocky volcanic soils since 1981, earning a quiet reputation among collectors who appreciate mountain wines of genuine terroir expression. Founded by Spencer and Amizetta Clark, the estate takes the winery name from Spencer's wife and occupies 18 acres of steep hillside above the fog line, where the thin soils and intense sunlight produce fruit of extraordinary concentration. The estate's low profile has kept prices moderate for Howell Mountain, making it one of the better values on a mountain known for expensive wines.

The 18-acre vineyard sits on the volcanic soils that define the Howell Mountain AVA, at an elevation that places it above the valley's cooling fog. The rocky, well-drained terrain forces vine roots deep into fractured volcanic substrate, naturally limiting yields and concentrating flavors. The vineyard is planted to Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, and Sauvignon Blanc, with each variety occupying the soil type and exposure best suited to its needs. The mountain conditions produce fruit of deep color, firm tannins, and a mineral complexity that valley-floor vineyards cannot replicate.

Winemaker Ashley Hepworth crafts wines that capture the mountain terroir without over-extraction. The estate Cabernet is powerful but balanced, with the dark fruit and volcanic minerality of Howell Mountain fruit supported by firm but polished tannins. The Cabernet Franc provides aromatic lift and savory complexity, while the Sauvignon Blanc from mountain-grown fruit is crisp and mineral-driven. The wines are built for aging, with the best vintages rewarding a decade or more of cellaring before reaching their expressive peak.

Tastings at Amizetta are by appointment and take place on the mountaintop estate, where the views and the vineyard setting create an intimate atmosphere that matches the small production scale. The experience is personal and unhurried, with the staff sharing the estate's four-decade history alongside the wines. The $60 tasting fee is moderate for Howell Mountain, particularly given the quality and the mountain setting.

Amizetta represents the quiet side of Howell Mountain: an estate that earns its reputation through the quality of its wines rather than the size of its marketing budget. The combination of genuine mountain terroir, experienced winemaking, and moderate pricing makes it one of the most rewarding discoveries for visitors who are willing to explore beyond the mountain's more famous names.