The Hess Collection Winery

A Hess Collection foi uma das melhores vinícolas que visitamos em Napa. Os vinhos eram maravilhosos, desde o rose ao shiraz reserva. O atendimento foi espetacular. Quando souberam que era nosso aniversário de casamento, nos cobraram apenas 1 degustação! Ficamos realmente encantados com essa gentileza. E a galeria de arte é belíssima. Outra atração é a própria estrada até a vinícola, um charme e longe do agito da estrada principal de Napa. Não deixe de visitar!!!

Kenzie poured wine for our tasting and he was terrific. He told us about the history and had some good stories — he was very entertaining. The wines were also very good — my favorite was the 19 Block Mt. Veeder Blend — big and delicious. Then there’s the spectacular modern art collection on two floors upstairs. Overall a great experience. My only objection — after the tasting I bought a half case of wine (the $ 20 tasting charge is waived with a purchase) and on the iPad for my signature it listed a 15% or 20% tip for the pourer on my ENTIRE wine purchase, not on the $ 20 tasting charge. Don’t they pay him?

Very off the beaten path winery, half of the art collection was pretty good, the other half was just plain weird! They provide a free tour of the place discussing interesting history ie the company is still under a 99 year lease that cost the owner $ 1! Their wines taste great!

Great winery off the beaten path.
Our host, Morgan, was very knowledgeable and kind.
Wonderful wines and great ambiance.
A must!

Really enjoyed our tasting experience here. We arrived at 10 am with an appt. Friendly greeting. We were the only ones there as it was raining so had very good service. The tasting room is very nice love the building and the art gallery is a nice bonus. We liked every wine we tried and we tried a lot. Some wineries make you stick to the 4 – 5 tastings on the menu but our server was smart enough to realize she could sell us more wine if she allowed us to taste more wines. We spent a solid hour tasting many different wines and revisiting and ended up joining the club and leaving with a case of wine. The wines are not as high end as some of the other wines in Napa but they are solid and the price is very affordable and a much better value than most other places.

Michael was very helpful and friendly. Fantastic! The scenery is beautiful and the wine was wonderful!

Amazing place! Muy buen vino y excelente atención por parte del personal!
Muy recomendable! Tenéis que que probarlo!

Came here for the first testing of a full day of Napa tastings. We made a reservation via the Hess website and followed google maps to the winery. While it was helpful, it’s off the beaten path so be sure to watch for the signs. We used the b1g1 free coupon on Unilocal so we each got a tasting for $ 25. What a deal. Our server, Sandy, was great as she took us through what to expect from each wine so we ended up choosing 4 wines. I mainly chose their specialty collections since I couldn’t get that at normal outlets. All of the wines were great. And we even got a 5^th tasting. We ended up buying a bottle of the «artisan» wines. And afterwards, we were able to walk thru museum and the beautiful grounds. The service, wines and grounds make this a must-​visit to Napa.

Went over the Thanksgiving Weekend. The overall experience would have been a four starred review except for one rude pourer. Here’s the story.
We arrived about half an hour earlier than planned and was told to hang about for a bit because the tasting room was full. That’s fine as Hess has this massive art collection and kept us busy for the next half an hour (or possibly more). After we came down, we were placed in a corner of the oval tasting counter and was assisted by a very kind and polite member of the staff (too bad I couldn’t remember his name). The wines were decent, but most importantly I’ve learned a lot about the difficulties facing winemakers trying to make wine under the mountainous condition.
As I was about to snap a photo or two of the bottles we were poured from, another pourer swooped in and snatched it out of my sight with a disapproving gesture. As if to say I shouldn’t be wasting his time with taking photos of the bottles. He made it as if it was my fault. But maybe it was. I’m sorry that I wasn’t one of those guests who just come, drink, and leave. I was probably wrong to try to make an effort to learn about your wine before making my decision whether to buy or become a member. That pourer has just saved my time and lost his winery one potential long time customer really.
In all, I think Hess is still a good place to visit, especially if you just want to get pounded. But if you really want to learn about Mount Veeder wines, either stop somewhere else or come in early to avoid the crowd while keeping your fingers crossed the management switches that pourer to some other job in the winery.

*Reservation only! No cell phone service.
Whenever I’m going to a new winery I always do my due diligence and check out the website and sometimes even call ahead.
Because I saw the 2 for 1 promotion on Unilocal,I assumed you wouldn’t need a reservation for the tasting room. Wrong!
This winery is reservation only. As a customer I appreciate this on some levels because it ensures that the tasting room is not super crowded and chaotic like other non-​regulated tasting rooms in Napa. But it also feels like they’re taking themselves a little too seriously.
Hess has a gorgeous garden entrance and 3 story art museum. It’s Mr. Hess’ private collection. If you like modern/​contemporary art you’re going to love this added bonus.
When you walk into the building there is a counter to the right and they’re going to ask for your reservation. Like I said, we didn’t have one. But they squeezed us into a 12:15 slot. (We arrived at 11:30.) I was trying to get into contact with the rest of our group but there’s no cell service here. None! There’s free wifi but I wasn’t having any luck with it.
Hess is located in a remote area of Mt. Veeder and there is a 1 mile drive up to it with switchbacks. I overheard a man explaining that he always comes to this winery first, because well you know…
After browsing the art collection, we reported to the tasting room for our reservation. We were given a menu of their current wine releases. There was a nice selection of 9 varieties of white wines and 10 red options. You could choose any 4 wines for $ 20. (Buy one get one free with Unilocal check in). 16 of the wines are only available at the winery.
I chose the 13 Hess Collection Sauvignon Blanc. 13 Hess Collection Mount Veeder Chardonnay. 14 Hess Small Block Syrah Rose. And ended with 13 Hess Small Block Petite Sirah. Wow, the petite Sirah really packed a punch.
The gentleman pouring our wines was pleasant. I had to ask questions to get more information about the wines. I wish he would’ve done a better job with the education part. The best story we got out of him involved Mr. Hess buying a Picasso to impress an art dealer that he wanted to «do business with» and didn’t even know it. (No, it’s not displayed on this property. We asked)
We ended our tasting with a real treat, a taste of the 13 Hess Small Block Reserve Mardikian Pinot Noir, priced at $ 85 a bottle. I was really curious about how it would taste and of course it was absolute perfection.
I asked if I bought a bottle of the Chardonnay if he could waive the tasting fee. The bottle was $ 40. He said it’s a 3 bottle minimum before they could waive the fee.
Although I loved Hess, the wines, garden, art collection. I’m taking a star away because I feel like there’s still so much ageism when wine tasting in Napa. When we arrived to our tasting, the guy who was supposed to pour our wines, handed us off to the guy that we did have (who was obviously a newer employee). Also we got some attitude when we checked in and didn’t have a reservation. This would NEVER happen if it was my mom and a group of her friends. Stop being so judgey Napa.

Blew away my expectations! Beautiful property. Insightful and fun tour, plus a wine tasting. Spectacular art upstairs. Loved it!

Were it not for the fact a wine steward friend asked my husband and me to pick up a case of wine here for him, we would not have trekked the long and winding road to Hess. The astounding contemporary art collection and gorgeous grounds and setting alone are worth the beautiful drive. The wine tasting is an added bonus.
THIS N THAT:
1) Picnic space: On grounds. BYOF. (Bring your own food.)
2) Accessibility: As I recall the art display encompassed three floors and there as an elevator between them.
2) Hendry Winery is drive by: On your way to Hess. But that’s another review.

We (a group of 9) spontaneously decided to do a Napa trip on a last minute notice so I tried to find places that would allow a large group without a reservation.
Tip: if you type in Hess Collection Winery on google map, it’s going to direct you to an old spot/​incorrect location. Just keep an eye out for the sign! Or you will pass it like we did (both cars).
Hess was one of the wineries that came up on my list, but when we arrived, it did look like we needed reservations. However, we were lucky and they had space for us in their outdoor patio/​courtyard area.
We were told that the B1G1 tasting is limited to one per table, so we decided to get bottles instead ($ 20 extra corkage fee) since it also came with a snack plate. Everyone enjoyed the wine and service. I personally didn’t care for the snack plate, but everyone at the table absolutely LOVED the shortbread that was included.
Unfortunately, we didn’t get to visit the indoor tasting room/​art room/​etc since we arrived late. We’ll definitely make another trip back though.

It was so good we joined the club. WOW. Cant wait to go back and see the new tasting room. Sue our hostess was outstanding. She did a great job of walking us though the wine choices. The Hess Small Block Petite Sirah was one of my fav. My wife loved the Viognier. Its a great place to taste wine and look at all the art. Really nice winery. Thanks @sonomachat for the recommendation.

Waste of time. Called ahead and specifically asked about service and was basically lied to. I wanted garden/​outdoor service and was specifically told that it was common/​possible and that we could buy picnic food and other goodies while there. Granted it was sprinkling but there was definitely no outside service. The service was on the third floor past headless «art» bodies and in a basically open room with a bar and a few tables. Not only was this not even close to what I was told but there was no table service if you wanted to sit down at the few tables either. I was extremely disappointed. I understand that they are renovating due to earthquake damage (which was why I called to ask about service) but this was the worst tasting experience I’ve ever had. The wines were nothing special either. I will not be going back, nor will I advise anyone to visit.
Pros: the drive there is pretty and the gentleman in the front was pleasant
Cons: everything else

Some friends and I came here for their free tour. The tour didn’t cover that much ground — you just take a short walk to a small vineyard right outside the building and then head back into the cellar and then upstairs.
The upper floors have some interesting art pieces. If you like modern art then this place is for you. It’s no MoMA but it’s free!
The building has some interesting history. They’ll tell you why exactly there’s a random monastery next to this winery.
They ended the tour with this movie clip about the winery and harvesting. I thought the movie clip was a bit too long but the room you sit in is quite nice — it’s like a private theater in someone’s rich home.

Very beautiful winery. It is actually an art gallery with lots of neat stuff to look at. (NOTE: You can not drink/​taste your wine while you walk around and look at the art, which I think is bogus!)
It is kinda hidden and off the beaten path, its very secluded but very beautiful.
Now… for the wine. OMG. I loved their Cab. We bought half a case. It is so smooth, yet dry with no bite. I was not crazy about any of the other wines. I am not a white wine drinker, so maybe that is why I did not care for them too much.
Def worth the little drive.
$ 25+ per tasting; very small pours

Delicious wine, friendly service, and interesting art pieces make this a great place to visit on a Napa trip. Even though it is kinda far from the main «strip» of wineries, Hess is worth trying for its reasonably priced tastings (2 for 1 with Unilocal check-​in) and art collection.
Secluded twenty minutes away from the main Napa highway, Hess Collection is on a little corner up in a hill. The grounds are beautiful, with a nice courtyard enclosed in brick walls and a koi pond. There are a few tables underneath hanging vines where you can picnic and observe the abstract sculptures.
The interior is contemporary but comfortable, a unique mix of feeling like you’re in a living room but with varying art pieces dispersed throughout the venue. The first floor has the store and merchandise, bathrooms, and a few art pieces. The second floor has art installations and a small theater. The third floor has art and a room where the tastings take place.
My tasting experience was great: I’ve been twice and had friendly and knowledgeable wine experts each time. Some favorites include the Malbec, the German white wine, and the Cab. The wine here is better quality than most wines I’ve tasted.
I especially recommend this place when weather isn’t so great because everything is indoors. And be prepared to navigate ahead of time since cell service usually dies. But they also have wifi when you get to the tasting room/​gallery! (Also, you should call and see if they are closed for a special event, once I drove all the way to find on the sign that they were closed for a private event).
For a small winery, their wine and service is fantastic. One of the best Napa wineries to experience when you get the chance.

The venue is beautiful, very picturesque. Hess was our first stop because we didn’t realize that most other wineries require you to have reservations.
I’ve been to Hess before when I was in college and I remember it was okay. And even to this day the wines here were just okay. My friends and I didn’t really like it, not some of our favorites compared to the other wines that we tried during the day.
The customer service was really helpful and she surely knew her wines. There wasn’t a lot of people here. They had their wine tasting in their gallery on the 3^rd floor. Tasting for 5-​ish was about $ 25. Since this was our first winery of the day, we were just too sober to make the most of it. Haha

Honestly we came across Hess by accident, we were greeted with such wonderful hospitality and decided to stay. We took a tour of the winerie with Sue and she was awesome. Sue informed us with wonderful knowledge of how wine is made and the history of Hess Winery. Love her passion for wine.
$ 20. For 4 tastings and if you check in with Unilocal it’s b1g1.
The pinot noir is a must try.
You can also view Mrs. Hess art collection here!
Thank you Sue and everyone at Hess for making our first tour so enjoyable.

6 or 7 miles off the beaten track, an absolutely gorgeous and windy road that will you drive you wild with anticipation. Perhaps a little underwhelming upon arrival, a koi pond and modest with a small yet lovely and rustic garden with seating area, is a combo art-​gallery and wine tasting in one in an impressive 3 story building.
Truly feels like a museum on the first 2.5 floors, filled with pop and modern art, you eventually come upon the tasting room with very large paintings surrounding. A beautiful and truly unique setting that must be experienced.
20 choices of wines, pick 4 tastings for $ 20 for some of the best wine on the planet. I chose, and loved them all: 2013 Small Block Gewurztramminer, 2012 Small Block Malbec, 2011 Collection Mount Veeder 10 Block Cuvee, 2012 Allomi Vineyard Cab Sauvignon.
I walked away for 4 bottles for $ 130. Not a deal here, but A M A Z I N G wine. I love it, and highly recommend.
PS. No cell reception.

Great winery that is hidden in the Napa valley. We lost cell reception as we entered the area which made it so I couldn’t look on Unilocal for any deals while we were there. Of course there is a buy 1 get 1 tasting — well played Hess!
The earthquake happened only 1 week before our visit so we couldn’t see the tasting room :(
The good part of that is that we got a private server at our individual table.
I wanted ti support Napa so I bought 3 bottles and got the tasting fee waived.
I can’t wait to go back just to see the room.