3 of the Best Things to Experience at the Hess Collection Winery and Art Museum

In 1978, a man with a vision bought a large parcel of land on Mount Veeder in Napa, CA, and pursued his dream – building a world-class winery that mingled both culinary prowess and the arts. Known as the Hess Collection Winery & Art Museum, this land has been transformed into a beautiful wildlife sanctuary, vineyard, and destination for visitors from around the world. With tastings, tours, and a fine dining chef pairing the wines with only the best locally sourced products, you can make a lovely day trip of visiting the Hess Collection. Don’t forget to explore their free modern art museum while there.

Tastings and Tours

The Visitor’s Center is open daily with both tastings, and tours available starting at 10 a.m. They also offer several unique experiences requiring reservations that promise to give you even more insight into the history and wonder of the Hess Collection Winery & Art Museum.

• Museum Walk – A tour of the Hess Collection Art Museum.
• Small Bites Tasting – Get both delicious wine, paired with light but delicious fare.
• Private Tour & Wine Tasting – For real connoisseurs or special occasions. By appointment only.
• Tour of the Palate – Tour followed by a tasting paired with handcrafted truffles.
• Tour, Wine & Cheese Pairing – Walk the vineyards before tasting the current releases with a cheese board.
• Tour, Wine & Chocolate Experience – Sip on four delicious wines specially selected for pairing with artisan truffles developed and handcrafted by Kollar Chocolate.

Food & Wine

Executive Chef Chad Hendrickson is not only a Culinary Institute of America-trained master, but he also has a green thumb, growing and maintaining his own on-site organic garden to ensure that his dishes are both seasonal and as local as you can get. Anytime you have a chance to taste some of Hendrickson’s food while at Hess, make sure you go for it – it’s an experience you don’t want to miss! Aside from enjoying their prepared foods, don’t forget to pick up a few bottles or cases of their famous vintages, especially after you’ve consulted their handy wine pairing list.

Hess Art Collection

Entrepreneur and Hess Collection Winery & Art Museum founder, Donald Hess began collecting art in 1966. The Hess Art Museum houses a mere quarter of his entire collection, with the rest of it on display in museums around the world. Art collecting is an extremely personal endeavor, which gives every visitor an interesting look inside the Danish winemaker’s head. Hess’ style revolves around the personal relationships he builds with contemporary artists, who he usually finds before they are well known. With insight from the artists themselves into their work, Hess will go on to become their long-term investor as they build their audience.

Where to Stay in Napa Valley

While visiting Napa, be sure to make it to the Hess Collection Winery & Art Museum to explore some of the best of both in the area. Located in downtown Napa, Churchill Manor offers the perfect accommodation within walking distance of many great establishments in town. While the Hess Collection is out of town, it’s worth the drive through the hilly landscape to explore this country estate.