Tag: California

Nestled just off Highway 29 in St. Helena, Hall Wines is established on the storied Bergfeld Vineyard, an estate whose viticultural history dates back to 1885. This historic site was once home to the Napa Valley Co-Operative Winery, a pivotal institution that, at its peak, produced nearly 40% of the region’s total wine output, marking it as a cornerstone of early Napa Valley wine production.

In 2003, Craig and Kathryn Hall, visionary entrepreneurs and passionate stewards of fine wine, acquired the estate. Their commitment to honouring the property’s legacy while embracing sustainable innovation culminated in a decade-long transformation. By 2013, the Halls had completed an ambitious and sensitive restoration, seamlessly integrating the original stone winery with a state-of-the-art, gravity-flow winemaking facility. The new tasting room, a modern architectural landmark, is LEED® Gold-certified, reflecting the estate’s environmental ethos.

The estate itself encompasses approximately 33 acres at the base of the Mayacamas Mountains. Collectively, the Hall family cultivates over 500 acres across Napa Valley, dedicated to Bordeaux varietals. These vineyards span both valley floor and hillside sites and are farmed with a meticulous, low-yield philosophy rooted in sustainable viticulture, ensuring both quality and longevity in every bottle.

Arriving at Hall Wines: A Journey into Art, Architecture, and Napa Hospitality

Hall Wines sits in the heart of the Napa Valley “wine strip,” a stretch of road synonymous with legacy, innovation, and some of the most storied names in American wine. Just minutes from the Napa Valley Museum of Art & Culture, the estate blends its commitment to fine wine with an evident passion for contemporary art and sustainability.

Upon arrival, I was immediately greeted by one of Napa Valley’s most striking landmarks, “Bunny Foo Foo”, a towering 35-foot stainless steel rabbit sculpture by the late artist Lawrence Argent. Gleaming in the California sun, this whimsical figure stood at the estate’s entrance, playfully setting the stage for what would become a richly immersive and sensorial experience.

Driving up the estate’s long, manicured entryway, I arrived at the modern hospitality center, an architectural statement in glass, wood, and stone, unveiled in 2014 after a multi-year transformation. Inside, sleek design meets vineyard warmth. Expansive glass walls draw the eye westward over the estate’s vines, while curated art installations offer moments of quiet reflection.

Adjacent to the contemporary space is the restored Bergfeld stone winery, a 19th-century “ghost winery” brought back to life with care and respect for its historic bones. The juxtaposition of heritage and innovation is palpable throughout the estate.

Members Lounge

Hall’s Member Lounge provides an artisan sanctuary: open seven days a week, accessible by appointment only, and offers exclusive library wines and relaxed seated tastings. Members can bring food and enjoy comfortable couches overlooking the vineyards on the stunning terrace.

My tasting began on the outdoor terrace, along with some Hall Wines members, where the afternoon sun filtered across rows of Cabernet Sauvignon vines. What a stunning view! I found that Hall’s approach to hospitality is layered and thoughtful while offering a spectrum of experiences catering to both connoisseurs and wine enthusiasts, as follows:

Members Lounge Tasting for the day included:

2021 HALL Ellie’s Cabernet Sauvignon
92 Points Wine Enthusiast

2020 HALL Jack’s Masterpiece Cabernet Sauvignon
The painting featured on the label was designed by Jack Reynolds, who was 18 months old as a Father’s Day gift for his father, Mike Reynolds, who was the winemaker at HALL Wines at the time. Mike Reynolds, now the president of HALL Wines.

2019 HALL Bergfeld St. Helena Cabernet Sauvignon
95 Points Owen Barren

2021 HALL Diamond Mountain District Cabernet Sauvignon
96-98 Points (in barrel) Jeb Dunnuck

What a stunning wine – my overall favorite !!

WINE REVIEW

2021 HALL Diamond Mountain District Cabernet Sauvignon

The wine reveals the depth and intensity characteristic of this high-elevation site. In the glass, it presents a deep garnet hue. Aromatically expressive, it opens with layers of blackcurrant, dark cherry, and crushed violets, interwoven with graphite, cocoa, and hints of cedar. The palate is structured yet polished, showcasing ripe blackberry and cassis, supported by fine-grained tannins and well-integrated oak. A persistent mineral core and vibrant acidity carry through to a long, resonant finish. A compelling mountain Cabernet built for aging but already delivering elegance and power in equal measure – Stunning!

97 Points
Liz Palmer

Other Hall Wines tastings and Experiences include:

St. Helena – Platinum Experience – Discover HALL’s Expressions of Place
This is an exclusive, seated experience which features the coveted Platinum Collection and top-rated Artisan Collection Cabernets.

St. Helena – Cabernet Collector Experience
This is also an exclusive tasting experience which showcases HALL’s top-rated Mountain Cabernet Sauvignons, which are paired with seasonal bites.  This is perfect for collectors looking to explore Napa Valley’s premier appellations.

St. Helena – Signature Tour – A Walk Through Winemaking
With this experience, you take a guided walk through HALL’s vineyards and winemaking facilities, where you gain some insight into Hall’s sustainable practices and rich history.  After the walk, you participate in a tasting of their four award-winning wines paired with seasonal bites.

St. Helena – Reflections of the Valley – Bar Tasting in our Modern Gallery
With this experience, you savour a curated flight of award-winning Cabernet Sauvignon, which is a standup tasting at their modern bar. Don’t forget to view the stunning vineyard views.

Hall Winery stands at the intersection of Napa’s storied past and forward-thinking future. The estate is simultaneously a cathedral of Cabernet, a canvas for art, and a leader in sustainability. From its first impression to final sip, Hall Wines is more than a tasting; it’s a narrative told through art, architecture, and world-class Napa Valley wine.