So yesterday I got the chance to swing into the town of Yountville, CA and see some of the amazing wine country that Northern California has to offer. I went to see the Bardessono hotel ( one of three hotels in the world certified Leed Platinum). Well I was visiting with the general manger and finding out that “it’s not easy being green” I had the chance to meet a young man by the name of Ryan Hill. Ryan and I chatted for a bit and he informed me that his family had planted the vineyard surrounding the hotel and was a local to the area. I told him it was nice to meet him (Which it was) and went on my way for a tour of the amazing space of the Bardessono Hotel in Yountville. On my way out of town I caught out of the corner of my eye the Hill Family Estate tasting room and decided to stop in and check it out, and boy am I glad I did!
After 25 years of growing grapes for other people the Hill family decided to produce their own wines. In 2001 they released their first vintage and are still going strong. I have to say that I am sorry I did not have time to taste any of the wine (but will be looking for a bottle or two to get my hands on) I will however be tasting it soon as I hunt it down. I do want to comment on the tasting room as that is really what blew me away! From the moment that I walked I felt welcomed and that they really appreciated me being there. Now I know that this might sound odd but I am a young looking person and normally get not taken seriously. I was informed that the tasting room used to be an antique shop and that due to zoning requirements they had to keep selling antiques. I have to say that it really adds to the feel of the space and really adds a bit of history to it. They had an amazing tasting bar as well as certain areas for groups to sit as well, one being an old dining table and chairs, and the other I saw was a lounge type area with leather couches and rock memorabilia on the wall. As I walked around the space I looked at not only the history of the wine but the history of a time forgotten. From current baseball jerseys to antique champagne flutes it was like I was not in a tasting room but a museum that served wine! Not to cluttered but just perfect and enough to keep my attention!
I know that any trip to Napa Valley and the town of Yountville would not be complete without seeing this amazing space and what the people at Hill Family Vineyards are up to next! You can check out the amazing things they are up to at www.hillfamilyestate.com and also you can find out about why they have rock photos on the wall (hint… A wine they did for Fender) also they offer a wine club called the crossroads club which starts at only 3 bottles so you get a good taste.
So next time you are in the Napa Valley and want to know what you should do, go to Yountville and visit the Hill Family Estate tasting room located at:
6512 Washington Street Yountville, CA 94599 707-944-9580
Just say hello and try the wine… I will let you know my thoughts as soon as I get a bottle or two but for now go and see for yourself what 4th generation winemakers are up to! Enjoy and remember if you have to many tastings to stay at the Bardessono for a good nights rest!
