From Swiss entrepreneur to pioneer at Mount Veeder
Donald Hess originally came to California in the 1970s to look for a spring for his mineral water business. What he found was something else: the wines of Napa Valley and the steep volcanic slopes of Mount Veeder. 1978 he bought around 700 acres of land in this then barely developed mountain appellation and founded the Hess Collection Winery — on the grounds of one of the oldest wineries in the region, which he leased long-term from the Christian order De La Salle. The first vintage followed in 1983. What began as a counter-design to the valley floor became one of the most famous names in Napa Valley.
Hess grew up in Bern, where his family had operated a brewery since 1844 — so craftsmanship and quality awareness were in his blood. As an art collector, he also built a three-story gallery for contemporary art on Mount Veeder, which opened to the public in 1989. After Hess' death in 2023, his daughter Sabrina and her husband Timothy Persson are running the winery in the second generation. Since 2021, it has officially borne the name Hess Persson Estates.
Vineyard work as a founding mission
Donald Hess' guiding principle was: “Nurture the land, return what you take.” This credo is visible today in the certifications: All vineyard areas and cellar facilities are certified by the California Sustainable Winegrowing Alliance, in addition to the Napa Green Winery and Napa Green Land programs. Head of Winemaking Stephanie Pope — a UC Davis graduate with years of cellar experience in the house — works according to the principle of minimal intervention: the wines should show the character of their origin, not cover it up. After an earthquake in 2014 that severely damaged the old cellar, the family built a modern new building — the Lions Head Cellar — with contemporary cellar technology.
Cabernet Sauvignon from high altitude — and an assortment for every occasion
Mount Veeder is considered the coolest mountain appellation in Napa Valley, with a long growing season, volcanic soils, and tough slope yields. The result is Cabernet Sauvignons with a dense structure that do without the opulence of some valley sites. The Allomi Vineyard at the eastern foot of Howell Mountain delivers a more fruit-driven, accessible style. Broader in approach is the Hess Select line, which includes grapes from vineyards throughout California — including Monterey County — and brings Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon to the everyday table. Those looking for more powerful red wines will find another counterpoint with the Artezin Zinfandel from Mendocino County: more rustic, spicier, denser in fruit than the Napa lines.
