At the Intersection of Great Art, Food and Wine
At the intersection of great food, superb views, beautiful art and fine wine, one will discover The
Hess Collection. The mountaintop winery on fabled Mount Veeder offers a compel- ling selection of curated experiences that are especially appealing when the weather allows for them to be enjoyed outdoors.
START WITH THE ART
One of the world’s finest private art collections is accessible to winery visitors. Each of the winery’s popular experiences will take visitors on a guided walk through the light-filled galleries that make up the Hess Contemporary Art Museum containing one-of-a-kind works collected over several decades by founder Donald Hess.
Garden sculptures enhance the grounds around the attractive century-old fieldstone and vine-covered winery, extending the opportunity to appreciate what Hess saw when he united two passions: art and wine.
Those represented include well-known artists such as Francis Bacon, Gerhard Richter, Frank Stella, Robert Motherwell, Franz Gertsch, Robert Rauschenberg, Andy Goldsworthy, and other works selected by virtue of a skilled collector’s eye.
ON TO THE PAIRING
Tour of the Palate: Afterwards, guests enjoy three icon level wines perfectly paired with exquisite culinary creations by Executive Chef Chad Hendrickson. Each dish draws on local organically and sustainably grown fresh seasonal components chosen to showcase these beautiful wines.
Tour, Wine & Cheese Pairing: Alternatively, a wine and cheese pairing is an option following the museum visit. Chef selects artisan cheeses served with seasonal fruits, nuts, and other accompaniments for a delightful pairing with current wine releases. Wine & Chocolate Indulgence: For chocolate lovers, there’s a third experience option following their guided tour. Four wines accompany an indulgent pairing of artisan truffles developed and handcrafted by the in-house pastry chef to pair specifically with the chosen wines. An educational aspect of this experience provides plenty of takeaways from the world of chocolate.
WINE BLENDING EXPERIENCE
Taming the Lion: Like a true winemaker, guests wield a pipette and take a turn at the art of blending. This experience includes three different varietals that are blended and compared with the winery’s
signature Lion Tamer Red Blend. After creating tasting notes, participants learn more about their palates or preferences and have the opportunity to produce a personal custom blend to take home.
THE NEXT GENERATION
Mount Veeder is a small and rugged terrain, famous for producing Napa’s distinctive and rich mountain fruit from its steep slopes and higher elevations. The maritime influences and cool evening breezes help to produce some of the world’s finest wines. However, this terrain doesn’t come without its challenges. For generations, the Hess family has been led by the family creed “to live each day with the heart and the courage of a lion.” To showcase the very best estate fruit, The Lion Cabernet Sauvignon complements The Lioness Chardonnay in bottles graced with an image of this proud animal, guiding the way for the next generation of Hess family leadership.
Tim and Sabrina, Donald’s daughter and son-in-law, have chosen to call the Napa Valley their home. Tim was raised in Southern Africa and Europe, Sabrina in Switzerland and London, but the Napa Valley is where they have found their true calling. They strive to impart their personal influence on the winery and support state- of-the-art innovations. Together, they continue to advance The Hess Collection as one of the premier family-owned and family- led companies in Napa Valley, and they are hopeful that someday their children too will carry on the Hess family heritage.
INTRODUCING CHEF CHAD HENDRICKSON
For nearly 20 years, guests to The Hess Collection have been fortunate to benefit from the unbeatable wine and food pairings that feature in experiences created by the winery’s on-site chef, Chad Hendrickson. Chef Hendrickson looks to the components in the Mount Veeder wines for inspiration and pairs each with carefully crafted culinary elements to showcase these award- winning wines.
“OUR PROMISE, YOUR PROMISE”
The Hess Collection is welcoming visitors with limited access and experiences. They have committed to the winery team and every guest to offer an environment where they feel comfortable and safe. As a result, heightened safety standards, physical distancing and sanitary protocols have been adopted to ensure optimal safety. Staff and guests are expected to mutually respect and practice Napa Valley issued safety guidelines. Private rooms, well-spaced seated tasting areas in their courtyard, and staggered visitation times are available, and all site visits require an advanced reservation.
4411 Redwood Road, Napa, CA 94558
707-255-1144 // hesscollection.com
Article By: Laurie Jo Miller Farr
