Are you planning a trip to Napa and looking for a winery that engages all of your senses? This foolproof itinerary will help you savor your time in Wine Country California… without all that driving around.

Back in the day, wine tasting simply meant a line up of bottles and glasses to try and then on to the next stop. Fast forward to the present and wineries offer sooo much more. It is a wine EXPERIENCE that most visitors are after paired with enjoying the views instead of driving from place to place.

THE HESS COLLECTION Winery atop Mt Veeder offers a stunning landscape and a variety of activities to enjoy for visitors. They make it easy to spend a whole day just enjoying yourself. Recently, that is exactly what I decided to do. Just enjoy the experience… of Wine Country.

Follow along on my journey with this photo and video journal. A virtual tour of what it is like to visit. I really enjoyed my time on the Hess property and look forward to hearing more about your visit too!!
I know that once you read and view more, you will want to SCHEDULE A VISIT >>.

The passion and dedication behind this family owned property, combined with the history of the place itself, and paired with all the brilliantly made wine… presents guests with a truly elevated Napa experience. An experience they will not soon forget.

This article contains references to products from one of our advertisers. We may receive compensation from the brand itself. All thoughts and opinions contained herein are my own and not influenced by the company and/or its affiliates in any way.

From the moment I arrived, the wonderful people at Hess had a glass of bubbly waiting to hand me and some delicious bites to enjoy with.

My visit included wines made from grapes grown on their Mt. Veeder estate property. These limited production wines are generally only available at the winery and for the Wine Club. Hess Collection hand crafts this small number of small-lot wines, only a few barrels of each really, on-site.

The winery is a short drive from the town of Napa itself… yet it feels a world away amidst wooded hillsides and towering trees atop the mountain.

The historic winery, high up on the peaks of Mt Veeder, also boasts stunning views all above the fogline. Mt Veeder is a hidden gem high above the valley floor of Napa. Its wild ruggedness features aged volcanic soils which makes the location of the winery and surrounding vineyards a one-of-a-kind location for a tasting room.

At the top of the vineyards, which are around 2000 feet, on a good day you can see far off to the San Francisco Bay as well as see the Napa Valley floor down below. The property boasts a state-of-the-art winemaking facility and art gallery, both of which are housed in historic buildings dating back to the turn of the century. The Hess Collection site was originally one of the region’s oldest wineries.

The first pioneers in the area (during the last half of the 19th century) were of German descent and established a beautiful botanical garden resort, planted a 12 acre vineyard, and built a small stone winery. Historical buildings are still standing and used for visitors today after extensive earthquake repairs and upgrades to assure an elevated experience for guests.

More recently, in 2014, during the Napa Valley Earthquake, the building and winemaking facility incurred extensive damage including losing thousands of gallons of wine when one of the tanks, full from recent harvest, collapsed, spilling red wine out.

As a tribute and paying homage to the natural event, guests can see the damaged tank as a piece of historical art as they tour the winery. Check out the photos!

Hess offers a variety of options to visitors. Including a museum space of more than 1,300 square feet where visitors are invited to tour works by renowned contemporary artists.

The site also features many next level wine tasting experiences… ATV excursions, Wine & culinary programs, Estate tours, Vertical tastings, Wine blending opportunities, Current release tastings and Art collection tours … there is something for everyone to enjoy here!!

Very few wineries located on a mountain top remote area are open to the public with or without an appointment and Hess is one of them. You can simply walk-in and enjoy the property. Although I recommend making an appointment for a more personalized visit.

At the end of this article, you will find a list of the many opportunities and experiences available at Hess to choose from. There is a real focus on wine, culinary delights and the arts. A feast for the senses.

A Wine Tasting Experience, Elevated.

Perhaps you are interested in… relaxing in the gardens enjoying wine and food pairings from the estate culinary team… Or you might feel more adventurous that day and want to… take in the stunning views atop the mountain with a luxury ATV ride… Maybe you are interested in the fundamentals of winemaking and would really enjoy… a custom blending experience and lesson.

All these are waiting for you, plus more! Options abound.

Hess Collection can tailor a day of wine tasting adventures specifically for you. The winery location is great for groups of people wanting to enjoy each other and also perfect for a couple seeking a more intimate wine tasting experience.

Don’t forget the wines! Hess Winery is now releasing its 30th Mount Veeder vintage from vineyards first planted in 1978!!

When Donald Hess first planted vineyards atop the volcanic slopes of Mt Veeder, he was a pioneer in the mountainous regions of Napa, California. He had a vision of what a New World wine should be and defined a whole new approach to winemaking on the mountain top. Come taste the history and sense of place in the glass for yourself.

Which winery experiences did I enjoy?

I spent a lovely 48 hours on the Hess Collection property. Two wonderful days spent learning all about the family, wines and location. It was a real treat and allowed me to experience all that the winery has to offer. Below is a brief explanation of each of the fabulous wine adventures that I chose to participate in while visiting, along with some great photos of it all… ENJOY!

ATV + Wine Luncheon

Hop on this unique guided tour exploring historic estate vineyards by ATV. After the adventure enjoy a wine and culinary pairing prepared by the Hess Culinary Team…

LEARN MORE >>

Blending Experience

Try your hand at being winemaker for the day and create your own custom bottle of wine inspired by Lion Tamer Red Blend…

LEARN MORE >>

Tour, Wine & Cheese Pairing

This 90-minute experience begins with a guided tour of the historic estate prior to enjoying a current release wine presentation paired with artisan cheeses and accompaniments in the courtyard…

LEARN MORE >>

Chocolate Indulgence

Experience how wine and chocolate complement one another in this unique tasting. Enjoy artisan truffles made in-house crafted with components like urfa chili and blackberry balsamic reduction and expertly paired with current release wines…

LEARN MORE >>

Museum Walk Guided Tour

For the art lover, learn about the pieces and the artists on display from Donald Hess’ private collection. After the guided tour an optional complimentary wine tasting is offered…

LEARN MORE >>

Tour of the Palate

Following a guided tour of the Hess Contemporary Art Museum, enjoy three current release wines perfectly paired with three small dishes…
LEARN MORE >>

Private Wine Dinner in the Art Museum

Your dining experience begins with a wine and hors d’oeuvres reception followed by a docent led tour through historic Mount Veeder Visitor Center and Contemporary Art Museum. Hess Collection Executive Chef, Chad Hendrickson, will present you with a three-course dinner featuring seasonal, locally sourced produce from the organic estate culinary gardens. Dinner is paired with Hess Collection Napa Valley and Icon wines from estate vineyards on Mount Veeder…

LEARN MORE >>