Hill Family Estate stands as a testament to the enduring appeal of family-owned wineries in Napa Valley. Rooted in a deep agricultural heritage, this estate offers visitors an authentic taste of Napa, extending beyond just exceptional wines to encompass a rich family history and commitment to the land. From its humble beginnings to its current standing as a respected Napa Valley producer, Hill Family Estate provides a compelling story for wine enthusiasts seeking genuine experiences.
Doug Hill’s journey into Napa Valley’s wine industry is as organic as the vineyards he cultivates. His childhood, spent amidst the orchards of San Jose and later the apple and prune farms of Healdsburg, instilled in him a profound connection to agriculture. It was his association with the Jaeger family, pioneers in Napa winemaking since the 1960s, that truly set his Napa Valley story in motion. The Jaegers, founders of Freemark Abbey Winery and Rutherford Hill Winery, and former landowners of what is now Sinegal Estate, entrusted Doug with managing their extensive Napa Valley vineyards. This pivotal role led Doug to establish his own vineyard management company, Oak Knoll Farming. Through years of dedication and expertise in vineyard management, Doug gradually acquired prime vineyard sites, culminating in the Hill Family Estate we know today. Currently, the Hill family proudly owns and meticulously manages 12 distinct vineyards across Napa Valley, predominantly in the sought-after southern regions of Atlas Peak, Carneros, and Oak Knoll.
Vineyard at Hill Family Estate, Napa Valley
Beyond their estate vineyards, Hill’s vineyard management expertise extends to unique partnerships. Notably, they planted and maintain the vineyards at Bardessono Hotel & Spa and Villagio Inn & Spa in Yountville, demonstrating their versatility and commitment to showcasing Napa Valley’s terroir in diverse settings.
The journey into winemaking for Hill Family Estate commenced in 2001 with a modest production of Merlot and their signature blend, Origin, totaling under 900 cases. Today, their annual production ranges from 9,000 to 12,000 cases, a testament to their growing reputation and demand. Their extensive vineyard holdings, spanning over 600 acres, provide them with a remarkable selection of high-quality fruit. This access, combined with established relationships with other vineyard owners, allows Hill Family Estate to consistently select only the finest grapes for their wines. They also continue to supply grapes to some of Napa’s most prestigious wineries, including Cakebread, Duckhorn, Far Niente, and Quintessa, a clear indication of the quality of their fruit.
Hill Family Estate Tasting Room in Yountville
The Hill Family Estate Tasting Salon: A Yountville Experience
In 2006, Doug’s son, Ryan Hill, played a crucial role in establishing the Hill Family Estate tasting room in downtown Yountville. Recognizing the potential of a charming antique store location at the corner of Washington and Mulberry Streets, Ryan approached the owners with the idea of sharing their space for wine tastings. This initial shared space eventually evolved into Hill Family Estate taking over the entire location, creating the welcoming Tasting Salon that stands today. The salon embraces a relaxed, walk-in atmosphere, inviting guests to experience Hill Family Estate wines without needing an appointment. For those seeking a more personalized experience, private seated tastings can be reserved through their website, offering a deeper dive into their wine portfolio in a more intimate setting.
The tasting bar maintains a cozy, intimate feel, ideal for smaller groups and fostering personalized interactions. The staff at Hill Family Estate are known for their extensive knowledge and passion for the wines, ensuring that even casual “pop-in” tastings feel special and informative. While Hill Family Estate has grown, it remains deeply rooted in its family ethos. Doug Hill continues his active involvement in vineyard management, while Ryan spearheads the tasting room operations and wine sales. Carly Hill, Doug’s daughter, supports their Southern California events, highlighting the family’s collective dedication. Doug’s wife, Darci Hill, also contributes her creative touch, having designed their primary wine label.
Ryan’s innovative spirit has brought unique dimensions to Hill Family Estate. His “stained project partnerships,” such as the collaboration with Fender guitars, showcase a creative approach to wine beyond the bottle. This project involved staining various woods with red wine, which Fender then used to craft a limited edition of red wine-stained guitars, one of which proudly adorns the tasting room wall. Ryan also extends these “stained” projects to charitable causes, partnering on initiatives involving baseball bats and even a special rifle, demonstrating a commitment to community engagement. Adding to the local charm, the tasting room features products from local artisans, further emphasizing their connection to the Napa Valley community.
Hill Family Estate Napa Valley Vineyards
The Tasting Salon’s location itself carries a piece of Yountville history. Before becoming home to Hill Family Estate, the space housed a diverse range of businesses, including Jimmie’s Radio and TV Service, JT’s Club, Harvey’s Club, and Mexicali Rose. A particularly colorful anecdote from its past, recounted in a 1960 Napa Valley Register article, tells of owner James Thomas bravely thwarting a robbery at Jimmie’s Radio and TV Service, armed with his .32 caliber automatic pistol. This historical detail adds another layer of character to the unique tasting experience at Hill Family Estate.
Hill Family Estate’s wine production has been expertly guided by winemaker Alison Doran since their inaugural vintage. Their wines are crafted at Laird Family Estate, a well-regarded custom crush facility located just south of Yountville. The connection with Alison Doran arose through Lewis Cellars, where she was the winemaker prior to joining Hill Family Estate. In 2023, Alison and Doug Hill both celebrated their remarkable 45th harvests, marking decades of experience and dedication to Napa Valley winemaking. Alison’s early mentorship under the legendary André Tchelistcheff further underscores her expertise and deep roots in Napa’s wine heritage.
Hill Family Estate Winery in Napa Valley
Exploring Hill Family Estate Wines
Hill Family Estate offers a diverse selection of wines, showcasing the breadth and quality of Napa Valley fruit. Their portfolio includes vibrant whites and rosés, alongside robust and elegant reds, catering to a wide range of palates.
White and Rosé Selections
The 2022 Hill Family Estate Sauvignon Blanc is a refreshing expression of Napa Valley Sauvignon Blanc. It opens with aromatic notes of jasmine and citrus blossom, leading to flavors of lemon-lime zest, green apple, and a subtle minerality. The palate is bright and lively, with a creamy texture and a lingering finish of grapefruit. This Sauvignon Blanc is an ideal pairing for seafood and evokes the coastal freshness of California.
Hill Family Estate Sauvignon Blanc Wine
The 2022 Hill Family Estate Cuvée Charlotte, named after Ryan’s daughter, is a unique proprietary white blend. Comprising Viognier, Sémillon, Sauvignon Blanc, Muscat Canelli, and Muscat Blanc, this wine presents a complex and balanced profile. The bouquet reveals delicate aromas of green apple, kaffir lime leaf, pine, honeysuckle, and citrus blossom. The palate is equally harmonious, with flavors of pineapple, Golden Delicious apple, passion fruit, and honeydew melon. The Cuvée Charlotte is designed for easy enjoyment, particularly on warm days, and is distinguished by its artist-designed label by Napa Valley artist Ivy Zellmer, with each flower representing an aroma found in the wine and a hidden horse as tribute to Charlotte’s love for horses.
Hill Family Estate Cuvee Charlotte Wine Label
Hill Family Estate also produces a distinctive Albariño, sourced from the Stewart Ranch Vineyard, Napa Valley’s lowest vineyard. This vineyard, managed by Doug Hill, is planted only feet above sea level and is notably home to Napa’s first Albariño vines, originally planted by Doug for Michael Havens of Havens Winery. The 2016 Hill Family Estate Albariño is unoaked, preserving its fresh and vibrant character. It displays aromas of green apple, pear, lime, and citrus blossom, with a crisp palate, balanced acidity, and a clean finish, making it a superb match for white fish and shellfish. This Albariño is exclusively available at the tasting room and select Morimoto restaurants, adding to its exclusivity.
Red Wine Expressions
The Barrel Blend is a signature red wine with a “surfer” spirit, created in partnership with surfer Kyle Knox. This blend of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Syrah is crafted to be approachable and enjoyable. The 2019 Hill Family Estate The Barrel Blend Napa Valley Red Wine is rich and fruit-forward, with aromas of dark cherry, blackberry jam, and plum, complemented by notes of espresso, dark pepper, and sage. The palate echoes these flavors with a juicy, balanced character and a lingering finish. The label features an image of Kyle Knox surfing, reflecting the wine’s easy-going and balanced nature.
Hill Family Estate Barrel Blend Wine
From the Stewart Ranch Vineyard, the 2015 Hill Family Estate Stewart Ranch Pinot Noir showcases the elegance of Napa Valley Pinot Noir. It offers earthy undertones with developing red fruit aromas, particularly red cherry, and a hint of white pepper. The palate is rounded and balanced, with ripe plum and cherry flavors, subtle oak notes, and a clean finish, making it enjoyable in its youth.
Hill Family Estate Pinot Noir Wine
The 2014 Hill Family Estate Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon stands out as a high-quality Napa Cabernet at an accessible price point. A blend with Merlot, Malbec, and Petit Verdot, it presents dark fruit aromas of black plum and black cherry, with earthy notes. The palate is balanced with good structure, flavor, and lasting tannins.
Hill Family Estate Cabernet Sauvignon Wine
The 2016 Hill Family Estate Red Door is a premium red blend, named after their Red Door Vineyard and the red wine-stained door of their tasting room, carved by a Montana woodworker. This blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, Merlot, and Petit Verdot from various valley floor and hillside vineyards offers generous aromas of blueberry and dark fruits, with savory herb notes. The palate is dense yet balanced, with flavors of plum, blackberry, and dark spices, culminating in a supple and satisfying finish, capable of aging gracefully.
Hill Family Estate Red Door Wine
Double Barrel Cabernet Sauvignon represents Hill Family Estate’s pinnacle of Cabernet Sauvignon production. Produced in extremely limited quantities, this wine is their most premium offering. The bottle’s two-toned covering, mimicking a shotgun shell, is a unique detail, aligning Hill Family Estate with a select group of Napa Valley wineries that incorporate gun-related themes, such as Revolver Cellars and Smoking Gun Wines.
Hill Family Estate Double Barrel Cabernet Sauvignon Wine
The Hill Family Estate Winery and Vineyard Experience
In late 2019, Hill Family Estate expanded its footprint with the purchase of the former McVicar vineyards and winery, located near Yountville. This 7.5-acre property, planted with Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon, includes a small winery used for limited production wines from the surrounding vineyards. While their main production remains at Laird Family Estate, this estate winery adds another dimension to the Hill Family Estate experience. Notably, Ryan’s stepmother is experimenting with Korean farming practices on part of this vineyard, demonstrating a commitment to innovative and sustainable viticulture.
Hill Family Estate Winery Building
The winery building, originally dating back to 1989 and fully restored in 2014, offers a charming tasting venue. Prior to Hill Family Estate, it was home to Dahl Vineyards. Unique design elements, such as the winery door handles crafted from old San Francisco Bay Area dock anchors, add character to the space. Weather permitting, tastings are offered on a patio overlooking the vineyards and the Mayacamas Mountains, providing a picturesque setting by reservation. This location offers an alternative tasting experience to their downtown Yountville salon, allowing visitors to explore Hill Family Estate in different ambiances.
Hill Family Estate Winery Patio Tasting
The Secret Garden: A Hidden Yountville Treasure
A truly unique experience associated with Hill Family Estate is the Secret Garden in Yountville. This 1.3-acre organic garden, owned by Ryan’s godparents, Peter and Gwen Jacobson, is a hidden gem just minutes from the tasting room. Private, hour-long tours, often led by Ryan himself during weekdays from June to October, offer an exclusive glimpse into this remarkable space.
Secret Garden Yountville Entrance
The Secret Garden is a testament to biodiversity, cultivating a wide array of fruit trees, vegetables, herbs, and culinary flowers, all under certified organic practices. A significant portion of the garden’s produce is supplied to Thomas Keller’s renowned Yountville restaurants, including The French Laundry and Ad Hoc. While The French Laundry has its own impressive garden, the Secret Garden provides unique items, especially fruit trees, complementing the restaurant’s commitment to fresh, diverse ingredients. The garden’s produce is integral to The French Laundry’s culinary philosophy of never repeating an ingredient within a meal, highlighting the garden’s importance in their innovative cuisine.
Secret Garden Yountville Vegetables
Among the unique items sourced by The French Laundry are tiny fennel flowers and Sungold tomatoes, meticulously prepared by the restaurant’s culinary team. The garden cultivates up to 30 tomato varieties each season, showcasing an impressive range of flavors and textures. Even seemingly ordinary items like peach leaves find extraordinary culinary applications, used to create peach leaf ice cream with their amaretto-like aroma. The garden also features intriguing plants like Hyacinth Bean vines, Korean mint, and edible flowers from various herbs and vegetables, demonstrating the breadth of Peter and Gwen’s horticultural expertise. Later in the summer, visitors might even see squashes with the names of Thomas Keller’s restaurants carved into their skins, a testament to the garden’s close partnership with these culinary establishments.
Secret Garden Yountville Fruit Trees
The Secret Garden boasts over 120 types of fruit trees, with a focus on figs, peaches, and pears, all dry-farmed, alongside plum trees. The garden’s organic practices extend to pest management, with a unique “snail mansion” built to manage snails organically, a method that even influenced CCOF to create an organic certification for snail management. These snails ultimately become escargot on The French Laundry’s menu, a truly unique farm-to-table story.
Secret Garden Yountville Flowers
Ryan recommends visiting the Secret Garden in July for the optimal experience, though produce is available from spring through fall. A highlight of the tour is the opportunity to sample fruits, herbs, flowers, and vegetables directly from the garden. The Secret Garden tour concludes with a wine tasting at the Hill Family Estate tasting room, creating a seamless and enriching Napa Valley experience.
Secret Garden Yountville Tour Path
More Than Wine: Hill Family Estate’s Broader Connections
Beyond Hill Family Estate, Ryan Hill’s entrepreneurial spirit extends to other ventures. He was involved with WWE champions Nikki and Brie Bella in wine projects, including the brand Bella Radici, which has now evolved into Bonita Bonita. Bonita Bonita opened a tasting lounge in downtown Napa in 2024, further diversifying the Napa Valley tasting scene, although Ryan is no longer directly involved with this project as of mid-2024.
Hill Family Estate offers two primary tasting experiences: a current releases tasting and a reserve tasting featuring limited-production wines. For those wishing to deepen their connection with Hill Family Estate, their Crossroads Wine Club offers quarterly shipments of 3, 6, or 12 bottles, along with member benefits including wine discounts, event invitations, and preferential hotel rates in Yountville. To explore Hill Family Estate further and plan a visit, their website www.hillfamilyestate.com provides comprehensive information and booking options.
Hill Family Estate embodies the essence of Napa Valley – a blend of family heritage, agricultural dedication, and exceptional wine experiences. From their welcoming tasting salon in Yountville to their unique Secret Garden tour and diverse wine portfolio, Hill Family Estate offers a rich and authentic Napa Valley encounter for every wine lover.
