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Articles

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The Story of Mount Veeder: Napa’s Rugged Mountain AVA and the Vision of Donald Hess

Drive west off the valley floor of Napa Valley and the road begins to climb. The straight rows and manicured estates give way to switchbacks, to redwood and fir, and to a deep quiet that settles in as the valley falls away behind you. This is Mount Veeder, one of the highest and most rugged […] Read More

Unique Winery Experiences & Tours in Napa Valley

Hess Persson Estates has been featured twice in Visit Napa Valley’s March 2026 guide, Unique Winery Experiences & Tours in Napa Valley — recognized for both our luxury ATV vineyard tour on Mount Veeder and the Hess Collection Contemporary Art Museum. The guide spotlights standout experiences across a region home to more than 400 wineries, […] Read More

Hess Persson Estates Featured in Best Wineries

We are excited to announce that Hess Persson Estates, has been featured on BestWineries.com, a comprehensive guide to the Napa Valley and Sonoma wine country experience. We are honored to be featured and recognized alongside some of the most prestigious wineries in the California Wine Country. BestWineries.com provides a wealth of resources for wine enthusiasts […] Read More

The Hygrothermograph

A hygrothermograph is a mechanical instrument that continuously records both relative humidity and ambient temperature on a single rotating 7-day chart. At Hess Persson Estates in Napa Valley, one sits quietly in The West Gallery of the Hess Art Museum, where it helps protect a contemporary art collection that includes works by Francis Bacon, Andy […] Read More

Alan Rath – CLOCK 2

Walk through the Hess Art Collection and you will eventually stop in front of something that seems to watch you back. Clock II by Alan Rath is one of those works. It is part sculpture, part machine, and entirely alive in a way that is hard to describe until you are standing in front of […] Read More

Becoming Hess Persson Estates

Hess Persson Estates is a family-owned luxury winery on Mount Veeder in Napa Valley, founded as The Hess Collection Winery in 1978 by Swiss businessman Donald Hess and renamed in 2021 to recognize the next-generation leadership of his daughter Sabrina Persson and son-in-law Timothy Persson. In September 2021, The Hess Collection Winery embraced a new […] Read More

Super Wall Flower by Alan Rath

Visitors to our gallery will see both familiar and new works by our dear friend and collection artist, Alan Rath. Sadly, Alan passed away on October 2020 in Oakland, CA. Anyone who met the San Francisco & Oakland-based artist quickly saw that he had a deep humility and light sense of humor; he expressed both […] Read More

Artist Spotlight – Andy Goldsworthy

British artist Andy Goldsworthy was born in Cheshire, England and raised in Yorkshire. Throughout his career, most of Goldsworthy’s work has been made in the open air, in diverse locations throughout the world. The materials he uses are those to hand in the remote locations he visits: twigs, leaves, stones, snow and ice, reeds and […] Read More

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Abstract graphic design element representing Napa Valley vineyard landscape and Hess Persson Estates winery heritage.

The Hess Collection: A Fusion of Wine and Contemporary Art

Hess Persson Estates is renowned not only for its exceptional wines but also for its significant commitment to contemporary art. The Hess Collection, housed within the winery, showcases a diverse and thought-provoking array of artworks, reflecting a deep appreciation for artistic expression that complements the winery's luxurious brand identity.

This unique integration of art and viticulture offers visitors an immersive experience, allowing them to explore a curated selection of pieces by internationally acclaimed artists such as Francis Bacon and Andy Goldsworthy. The collection serves as a testament to the winery's dedication to fostering creativity and providing a space where art enthusiasts can engage with compelling contemporary works.

Exploring Mount Veeder: The Terroir of Hess Persson Estates

Nestled on the prestigious Mount Veeder in Napa Valley, Hess Persson Estates benefits from a distinctive terroir that significantly influences the character and quality of its wines. The elevated vineyards, characterized by their unique soil composition and microclimate, provide the ideal conditions for cultivating exceptional grape varietals.

The rugged terrain and cooler temperatures of Mount Veeder contribute to slow grape ripening, resulting in wines with complex flavor profiles, balanced acidity, and robust structure. This specific geographical advantage is a cornerstone of Hess Persson Estates' winemaking philosophy, enabling them to produce critically acclaimed wines that embody the spirit of their origin.

The Evolution of Hess Persson Estates: From The Hess Collection Winery

Hess Persson Estates carries a rich heritage, formerly known as The Hess Collection Winery, a name established in 1978 by Swiss entrepreneur Donald Hess. This rebranding signifies a new chapter, recognizing the pivotal roles of the next generation, Sabrina Persson and Timothy Persson, in shaping the winery's future while honoring its foundational legacy.

The transition to Hess Persson Estates reflects a continued commitment to excellence in winemaking and a forward-looking vision. This evolution not only acknowledges family leadership but also reinforces the brand's dedication to innovation, sustainability, and the enduring pursuit of crafting world-class wines. The name change symbolizes a blend of tradition and contemporary ambition.

Hess Persson Estates' Commitment to Wine Education and Tastings

Hess Persson Estates actively engages visitors in the art and science of winemaking through comprehensive educational programs and curated tasting experiences. These offerings are designed to deepen understanding and appreciation for the nuances of their wines, from vineyard to bottle.

Guests can participate in various tasting flights, often paired with artisanal food selections, providing an opportunity to explore the distinct characteristics of their Mount Veeder terroir. Furthermore, the winery may offer insights into their sustainable farming practices and the meticulous winemaking techniques that contribute to their acclaimed portfolio, enriching the overall visitor experience.

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