Cellar and Technology

When an earthquake rattled through Napa in 2014, our original cellar was destroyed. From this destruction, came new life — it provided an opportunity to start new with the most state of the art technology available. The investment in this technology allows our winemakers to marry a winemaker’s intuition and artistry with the science of winemaking.

Optical Sorter

Selecting the Highest Quality Fruit

The first technology of its kind, an optical sorter allows our winemakers to select only the most perfect berries to make into wine. From color, to size and weight, the optical sorter will remove any individual berry that does not meet our quality standards and we know the best quality wines start with the best quality grapes.

Small Lot Fermentation Tanks

Creating The Optimal Environment

In winemaking, temperature and time are key in developing elegant and nuanced flavors. Our small lot fermentation tanks are double insulated and can be precisely controlled from the winemakers phone or tablet from anywhere. This provides control to ensure every moment, from berry to bottle, is optimal to bring out the best expression in the wine.

“Whether it’s an optical sorter that allows us to really dial in and select only the best fruit from the vineyard or whether it’s our small lot fermentation tanks, which are double insulated and controlled by iPads and allow us to really control the temperature for fermentation in a way that previously wasn’t possible, or whether it’s the way in which we do sensory analysis in our labs, all of this has a place in great wine, and all of it allows us to push the boundaries that much more forward.”

— Tim Persson.

The Role of the Optical Sorter in Grape Selection

The optical sorter plays a crucial role in ensuring the highest quality grapes reach the winemaking process at Hess Persson Estates. This advanced technology meticulously analyzes each individual grape berry, evaluating characteristics such as color, size, and weight. By precisely identifying and removing any berry that falls below predefined quality standards, the optical sorter guarantees that only the most exceptional fruit is used, forming the foundation for superior wines.

This advanced selection process is critical because the quality of the final wine is directly proportional to the quality of the grapes. The optical sorter's ability to achieve such granular control over fruit selection ensures that every stage, from the initial berry to the final bottled wine, is optimized. This meticulous attention to detail allows Hess Persson Estates to express the true potential of their vineyard in every bottle.

Precision Fermentation with Small Lot Tanks

Hess Persson Estates utilizes state-of-the-art small lot fermentation tanks, a cornerstone of their precision winemaking approach. These tanks are engineered with double insulation, providing superior thermal regulation. Furthermore, they are controlled via iPads, allowing winemakers to meticulously manage fermentation temperatures with an unprecedented level of accuracy.

The ability to precisely control fermentation temperatures in small lots is vital for developing complex flavor profiles and preserving the delicate aromas of the wine. This technology empowers the winemaking team to maintain optimal conditions for each specific grape varietal and vineyard block, ensuring that the unique characteristics of the fruit are fully realized. This level of control was not previously possible, enabling Hess Persson Estates to push the boundaries of winemaking innovation.

The Impact of the 2014 Earthquake on Cellar Innovation

The significant destruction of the original cellar in the 2014 earthquake, while a devastating event, presented Hess Persson Estates with a unique opportunity. This unfortunate incident spurred a complete rebuild, allowing the winery to incorporate the most advanced and state-of-the-art technology available in modern winemaking. The recovery process became a catalyst for innovation and a chance to redefine their winemaking facilities from the ground up.

This rebuilding effort led to the integration of cutting-edge equipment and methodologies that have significantly elevated their winemaking capabilities. The focus was on creating a cellar that not only replaced what was lost but also surpassed previous standards, enabling the team to pursue new levels of quality and expressiveness in their wines. The new cellar stands as a testament to their resilience and commitment to excellence.

Integrating Technology with Winemaking Intuition

At Hess Persson Estates, the philosophy of winemaking is a harmonious blend of cutting-edge technology and the winemaker's inherent intuition and experience. Advanced tools like the optical sorter and precisely controlled fermentation tanks are not intended to replace human judgment but to augment it, providing data-driven insights that inform decision-making.

This synergy between technology and intuition allows the winemaking team to push the boundaries of what is possible. By leveraging scientific precision in fruit selection and fermentation, coupled with their deep understanding of viticulture and enology, they can achieve greater control over the winemaking process. This empowers them to craft wines that are not only technically excellent but also deeply expressive of their origin and the winemaker's vision.

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