Fortunate Son
Summary
Fortunate Son is a boutique Napa Valley winery founded by Jayson Woodbridge that produces small-volume Cabernet Sauvignon from meticulously selected vineyard sites with varied soil compositions and microclimates. The winery applies Woodbridge's minimal-intervention techniques refined at Hundred Acre, emphasizing patient aging in French oak and allowing ample development time before release—a distinctive approach that positions this focused passion project as an emerging force in California's premium wine landscape.
Heritage & Leadership
Fortunate Son was established by Jayson Woodbridge, the founder and proprietor of Hundred Acre Wine Group. Woodbridge, who gained recognition through his Hundred Acre label, created Fortunate Son as a distinct project within his portfolio of Napa Valley wines. The winery operates from Napa Valley, California, producing limited quantities of wine with a focus on Cabernet Sauvignon. Woodbridge maintains direct oversight of the winemaking operations, bringing his experience from Hundred Acre to this venture. The winery takes its name from the classic Creedence Clearwater Revival song, reflecting Woodbridge's personal connection to the music and its themes.
Vineyards & Wines
Fortunate Son sources grapes from select vineyards throughout Napa Valley. The winery produces a flagship Cabernet Sauvignon that showcases the distinctive character of its vineyard sources. The portfolio remains focused and specialized, with production kept deliberately small to maintain quality control. Fortunate Son wines are crafted to express the specific terroir of their vineyard origins, with attention to the unique soil compositions and microclimates of each site. The winery's limited production approach results in wines that capture the essence of their Napa Valley origins.
Philosophy & Practice
The winemaking philosophy at Fortunate Son centers on minimal intervention to allow the natural expression of the vineyards. Woodbridge applies techniques refined through his experience with Hundred Acre, focusing on optimal fruit ripeness and careful extraction. The wines undergo aging in French oak barrels to develop complexity while preserving the inherent character of the fruit. Fortunate Son embraces a patient approach to winemaking, allowing the wines sufficient time to develop before release. The production process emphasizes attention to detail at every stage, from vineyard management through fermentation and aging. This methodical approach reflects Woodbridge's commitment to creating wines that authentically represent their origins.