Newton Vineyard: A Second Chance

If you read my original post, you know the heartbreaking story of Newton Vineyard's closure. After the 2020 glass fire tore through the property, destroying its iconic winery and gardens, owner LVMH announced the winery was shutting its doors for good. The rebuild was just going to be cost prohibitive even for LVMH's deep pockets. It seemed the end of an era for one of Napa's most historic estates.

But now, a new chapter is beginning, one written by two friends with a deep love for Napa Valley and a vision to bring this storied property back to life. Nick Livanos and Eric Bryan Seuthe have officially purchased Newton, including the 487-acre property and the brand itself.

The Visionaries Behind the Revival

This isn't a story of a large corporation swooping in. As new co-owner Eric Bryan Seuthe explains, "We are not venture capitalists, we are just people who love Napa Valley, Napa Valley wines." Seuthe, an attorney, and his partner, Nick Livanos, have a deep connection to the business world but come from different backgrounds.

Livanos serves as a principal for Renkert Oil, a company that produces specialty lubricants and oils. As he joked about the new venture, "One [business] is a refinery, now the other is a winery." Livanos splits his time between northern California and St. Helena, where he and his wife, Patti, have a home. He and Seuthe became friends after meeting at a wine club event in Napa about five years ago, and their shared passion eventually led to the discussion of purchasing a vineyard together.( Thinking I need to find out more about that wine club and join.)

A "Beautiful Fixer-Upper" with a Storied Past

The new owners acknowledge the massive undertaking ahead. Newton can be generously described as a "beautiful fixer-upper." The glass fire was devastating, reducing the 68 acres of vines to just five surviving acres. The winery was completely destroyed, and the famed English gardens were gone. However, the property's incredible underground caves and other essential infrastructure, like ponds and irrigation, miraculously survived.

A Look to the Future: The Revival Plan

The good news is that the revival is already underway. Prior to the sale, LVMH had begun the replanting process, with 25 new acres of primarily Cabernet Sauvignon already in the ground. Livanos and Seuthe plan to continue this effort, ambitiously aiming to have new wines in production as soon as the 2025 vintage.  

To do this, they've brought back winemaker Caryn Harrison, who will craft the wines offsite for the time being. The new owners are committed to honoring Newton's legacy, which includes its reputation for ageworthy Cabernets and its iconic, benchmark Unfiltered Cabernet Sauvignon—a wine that stood out for its richness and quality. The winery's history is also defined by its impressive list of winemaking alumni, including John Kongsgaard, Michel Rolland, Aaron Pott (Unfortunately Aaron was on the unintended victim of a meme hatched by our parody desk.  We had no idea Aaron launched his own brand under his surname and quickly took down the post when Aaron contacted us.  Not that Aaron does not have a sense of humor but Pott Wine has a loyal following and our meme suggested the company had been acquired by Apothic in attempt to appeal to potheads. Yes, our parody desk be wildin'.) , and others.

A spokesperson for Moët Hennessey expressed confidence in the new owners of Newton, saying they will "bring renewed energy to the estate and continue to care for the land and its legacy with respect and dedication."

For Nick Livanos and Eric Bryan Seuthe, this purchase is the realization of a dream and a chance to restore one of Napa's most important properties. As Livanos put it, "If you have a dream, don’t stop dreaming. You never know." And now, for Newton Vineyard, the dream is alive again.