Fodor's Expert Review Hess Persson Estates
About 9 miles northwest of Napa, up a winding road ascending Mt. Veeder, this appointment-only winery is a delightful discovery. The limestone structure, rustic from the outside but modern and airy within, contains Swiss founder Donald Hess's world-class art collection, including large-scale works by contemporary artists such as Andy Goldsworthy, Anselm Kiefer, and Robert Rauschenberg. Guided gallery tours are part of some tastings; other experiences might involve wine, cheese, chocolate, or small or large bites. An ATV vineyard tour is conducted some days, and there's a blending seminar. Mt. Veeder Cabernet Sauvignon is the star of the Hess Collection portfolio, with Chardonnay and Pinot Noir two other strong suits. The winery touts its accessible fruit-forward Lion's Head Collection tier as "next generation luxury wines."