Our Story

A pioneer by nature, Donald Hess was determined to defy convention and pursue winemaking at elevation. In 1978, he established The Hess Collection Winery on the site of one of the region’s oldest wineries on Mount Veeder. Although few in Napa Valley were cultivating vines at elevation, Donald Hess believed the volcanic slopes of Mount Veeder provided the ideal combination of soils and microclimates to yield elegant wines with rich, complex flavors.

Today, the next generation of The Hess family continues Donald’s legacy at its original home on Mount Veeder, above the Napa Valley. The winery and vineyards are founded in extremes and thrive on the rugged terrain from which the Hess Collection winemaking team crafts exceptional luxury wines lauded by the critics.