We went here for my 50th birthday and it was a perfect day. We took the ATV tour with Edgar and he was an amazing host and wine educator. We stopped at several places around the Vineyard and it was beautiful and peaceful. Sitting at a picnic bench, drinking a delicious rose, and looking down on the fields, I don’t think I had been that relaxed in years. The next stop was a cheese plate paired with amazing wines in their gorgeous art gallery. Edgar was funny and charming. Last, we went down to the main tasting area and tried a few more vintages. We ended up buying a case to ship home. I definitely recommend!
I’ll admit that I had very high expectations based on a previous visit years ago.I’d also want to make sure that my disappointment has nothing to do with our guide, Nancy, who was pleasant and informative.(When I described our disappointing visit, I received a perfunctory response, despite the fact that we paid hundreds of dollars.)However, having a guide with you at all times, including while we’re eating, seemed excessive. What if I want to discuss a private matter with my husband? Do we need a chaperone? Not having privacy during the meal diminished from the experience (again, not Nancy’s fault)!To make matters worse, we were seated in a room with bad acoustics close to a large group that was boisterous (drunk?) and LOUD! So much so that We had to raise our voices to be heard and had to strain to hear each other. From time to time i had to shout! The constant noise created an experience similar to a bar and not a peaceful atmosphere to enjoy the food.
Underwhelming and disappointing experience. While the staff and host were really friendly and knowledgeable, the tour was such a disappointment. None of the typical tour stops were open to us. We were not even allowed to visit the art museum. Their explanation for this was the pandemic, but if that is the case, they should not charge such high amounts for such an incomplete experience.
Well as most people would come here for their awesome wine, we came for their great art! The concept of combining wine tasting and art galleries is just brilliant. They have so many important art pieces and the space itself it’s breathtaking. It’s better to have reservations.
For a first class wine experience in theMt Veeder hills of Napa, Hess is the place. AVery classy presentation with optional incredible food pairings. They also have most wine varietals, including an Albariño.
We tried to schedule a wine tasting online but they were all booked. I added us to the waitlist and hoped for the best. To my surprise, we got a phone call. They said they had an opening and it just happened to be at a time that worked for us. This winery is a little off the beaten path. There was plenty of parking and we were able to park right out front. We walked up to a hostess and she introduced us to our host who was standing beside her. It’s all appointment only, so I don’t recommend just showing up. We were surprised that all the tours are private right now because of Covid-19.We started with a quick walk around the facility. If you are into art, there is an amazing art museum you can walk around after your tasting. Our tasting was outside and included a cheese pairing. Overall, we really enjoyed our experience. I recommend signing up for a tasting.
If you’re looking for a Grade A wine tasting experience plus an excellent tour, you’re at the right place. Steve is the quintessential host. Look from North Calistoga all the way to the Bay Bridge and you will find no better than Steve. Hess Estates was a glorious experience. I bought a case today and I may buy more tomorrow. Cheers wine drinkers!
So good that I got a membership.
Even though you were closed when we got there, you were fabulous and sold me the bottle I was looking for for our daughter. Thank you!
Yes, yes, yes! Emma was amazing. The winery, the wine, the art collection. And the shop has lots of cool stuff compared to most shops… this is a ‘for sure!’