Earlier this year, Priest Ranch announced that Cody Hurd, formerly the assistant winemaker onsite, had been promoted to winemaker. The Washington State native has been with Priest Ranch for the past decade, starting as part of the cellar team in 2010, shortly after he relocated to Napa, and only three years after the winery was officially established, which allowed him to grow with the brand.
“Joining Priest Ranch at an early phase in its evolution allowed me to grow alongside our estate,” explained Cody. “I want our wines to be an expression of this land and its heritage. My job is to work alongside our amazing team to bring out the property’s unique characteristics.”
These unique characteristics are found at Priest Ranch’s 1,682-acre Somerston Estate, nestled into the eastern hills of the Vaca Mountains range. The 17 vineyard sites and 140 diverse blocks are planted across two valleys, Elder Valley to the west and Soda Valley to the east, which cover a variety of elevations from 800 to 1,650 feet, soils, exposures, and microclimates. In turn, the fruit sourced from this vineyard is so unique that it requires minimal processing and reflects the variety of terroir from across the estate.
After ten years of working in these vineyards, Cody’s developed an innate knowledge of each block; thus, his focus is to maintain the priority of showcasing the full diversity of the estate throughout the Priest Ranch portfolio range, from their Peacemaker blend to their untraditional 100% Syrah Brut Rosé.
Cody will work directly with director of viticulture and winemaking Craig Becker to further Becker’s mission of celebrating a rich agricultural heritage through leadership-driven viticulture and viniculture practices, cultivated experiences, and the pursuit of becoming the next great wine estate. Part of his leadership will entail leading in-person tasting opportunities, both at their Yountville tasting room and the Estate during upcoming events.
Upcoming events include: Raise the Roof Winemakers Dinner at Priest Ranch on June 10 and Winemakers Lunch Series at Somerston Estate on July 21, August 18, September 22, and October 20. The first event is a single night of celebrations all the team has been working on, from new-release wines to new developments at the winery – so of course, the evening starts with a bubbly reception before an elevated family-style meal by estate executive chef, Dan Solomon, complemented by a guided tasting led by Cody.
Craig and Cody host the Winemakers Lunch Series for an elegant food and wine experience highlighting limited-production Somerston Estate wines. Chef Solomon also prepares the menu for this limited-run and intimate event.
Can’t make any of the events? The Yountville tasting room welcomes guests with an array of experiences throughout the year, like food and wine pairings, as well as live music and seasonal happenings, for a taste of all that Priest Ranch has to offer.
