Hendry Winery
Summary
3104 Redwood Road
Napa
,CA
94558
United States
(707) 226-8320
hendrywines.comHendry Winery
Description
Hendry Winery is a family-owned and operated winery located in the heart of Napa Valley, California. Situated on the western bench of the acclaimed Mount Veeder, the winery has been crafting exceptional wines for over four decades. Hendry Winery is renowned for its commitment to quality and their focus on vineyard-driven wines.
The Hendry family has deep roots in the Napa Valley, with their vineyard established in 1939. They take pride in their hands-on approach to winemaking, meticulously tending to their 114 acres of vineyards to produce the highest quality fruit. The winery boasts a diverse range of grape varieties, including Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Merlot, Zinfandel, and many others.
One of the unique aspects of Hendry Winery is their belief in the importance of terroir and showcasing the individual characteristics of each vineyard block. The estate is divided into sub-blocks, each with its own distinct soil type, elevation, and microclimate. This allows the winemakers to carefully select grapes from specific blocks, creating wines that express the unique nuances of each terroir.
Visitors to Hendry Winery are treated to an intimate and personalized experience. The winery offers private tastings and tours by appointment, allowing guests to learn about the winemaking process while enjoying the stunning views of the surrounding vineyards. The friendly and knowledgeable staff guide visitors through a selection of handcrafted wines, sharing the rich history and passion that goes into every bottle.
Hendry Winery has gained a well-deserved reputation for producing wines of exceptional quality and character. Their commitment to the land, meticulous vineyard management, and dedication to crafting unique and expressive wines make them a standout in the Napa Valley wine scene. Whether you're a wine connoisseur or simply appreciate the beauty of vineyards, a visit to Hendry Winery is sure to be a memorable experience.
What Makes Hendry Winery
Different From Other Nearby Wineries?
Hendry Winery stands out from other wineries in the region for several reasons. Firstly, the winery has a rich history that dates back to 1939 when it was founded by George Hendry Sr. on his family farm in Napa Valley. This multi-generational commitment to winemaking brings a level of craftsmanship and expertise that is truly remarkable.
One of the most distinguishing factors of Hendry Winery is its prime location. Situated in the hills of Napa Valley's western benchland, the winery benefits from unique microclimates and diverse soil types. This allows them to grow a wide variety of grape varietals, resulting in a diverse portfolio of exceptional wines.
Moreover, Hendry Winery takes a highly hands-on approach to winemaking. They meticulously manage every aspect of the grape growing process, from carefully selecting rootstocks and clones to employing sustainable farming practices. Their commitment goes beyond just the vineyard, as they also meticulously hand-sort and hand-harvest their grapes to ensure only the highest quality fruit goes into their wines.
Another factor that sets Hendry Winery apart is their focus on single-vineyard wines. Instead of blending grapes from different vineyards, they believe that showcasing the individuality and characteristics of each vineyard is of utmost importance. This dedication to expressing terroir results in wines that are unique, filled with distinct flavors and aromas that represent the specific vineyard they come from.
Furthermore, Hendry Winery has a deep respect for tradition and history while also embracing new techniques and technologies. They combine modern winemaking practices with traditional methods, striking a balance between innovation and time-honored traditions. This approach allows them to produce wines that are both classic and cutting-edge, appealing to a wide range of wine enthusiasts.
The commitment to quality at Hendry Winery extends to their small-batch production philosophy. With a focus on low yields, they ensure that each bottle of wine receives the utmost attention and care. This level of dedication enables them to maintain consistently high standards across their entire portfolio.
Lastly, Hendry Winery offers visitors a unique and personalized experience. Their tasting room provides an intimate setting where guests can learn about the winemaking process, the history of the winery, and, of course, taste their exceptional wines. The knowledgeable and friendly staff are passionate about sharing their love for the wines and are always eager to provide guests with a memorable visit.
In summary, Hendry Winery stands out due to its rich history, prime location, hands-on approach to winemaking, focus on single-vineyard wines, combination of tradition and innovation, commitment to quality, and personalized visitor experience. These factors, along with their exceptional wines, make Hendry Winery a truly unique and special destination in the world of California wineries.
What Some Possible Concerns About Hendry Winery
?
While it is important to note that opinions about wineries can vary greatly, here are some common criticisms that people have mentioned regarding Hendry Winery:
1. Limited variety: Some critics mention that Hendry Winery has a relatively smaller selection of wine compared to other wineries in the region. Some visitors have expressed their desire for a more extensive range of wine options to choose from.
2. Limited tastings: There have been comments regarding the limited number of wines available for tasting at Hendry Winery. Visitors have expressed that they would appreciate a more comprehensive tasting experience to fully explore the winery's offerings.
3. Inconsistent service: Some visitors have reported issues with the quality and consistency of the service provided by the staff at Hendry Winery. While many have praised the knowledge and friendliness of the staff, others have mentioned instances of inattentiveness or a lack of enthusiasm during their tasting experience.
4. Limited amenities: Compared to some other wineries in the region, Hendry Winery has been described as having relatively few amenities for visitors. Some guests have mentioned that they would like to see more picnic areas, art displays, or recreational activities available on the winery grounds.
5. Higher prices: A few visitors have commented that the prices of Hendry Winery's wines can be on the higher side compared to other wineries in the area. Some have suggested that the quality may not always justify the price point.
It's important to remember that these criticisms are subjective and may not necessarily reflect everyone's experience. It's always recommended to visit a winery and form your own opinion based on personal preferences.
Hendry Winery
History
Hendry Winery, located in the prestigious Napa Valley region of California, has a storied history that dates back several generations. The winery's story begins with George O. Hendry, a Scottish immigrant who arrived in California in the late 19th century.
In 1939, George and his wife, Mildred, purchased a small plot of land on the western bench of the Napa Valley. With a vision to establish a vineyard and winery, they transformed the property into what is now known as the Hendry Ranch. Despite facing many challenges, including World War II and the Great Depression, George and Mildred persevered and planted their first grapevines in 1941.
Over the years, the family-owned vineyard expanded under the guidance of George's son, Russel, who succeeded his father in managing the ranch. Russel saw the tremendous potential of the land and focused on nurturing its unique terroir to produce exceptional wines. In the 1960s, Russel planted multiple grape varieties, including Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Zinfandel, and Chardonnay, among others.
However, it was not until the 1980s, when Russel's son, George W. Hendry, took over, that Hendry Winery truly blossomed. George's unwavering commitment to sustainable farming practices and innovative winemaking techniques garnered significant recognition for the winery.
Under George's leadership, Hendry Winery became one of the first vineyards in Napa Valley to adopt organic farming methods. Today, the winery remains committed to environmentally friendly practices, such as solar energy harvesting, cover cropping, and natural pest control.
Hendry Winery's wines are a true reflection of the land they come from. The distinct microclimates and diverse soils found throughout the ranch allow for the cultivation of distinct grape varieties. Each vineyard block is meticulously managed and harvested separately, resulting in individualistic wines that showcase the unique characteristics of their terroir.
The winery's portfolio includes a range of award-winning wines, from rich and opulent Cabernet Sauvignons to vibrant Chardonnays and spicy Zinfandels. Hendry Winery has gained a reputation for producing complex, age-worthy wines that not only capture the essence of the Napa Valley but also reflect the Hendry family's dedication to excellence.
Today, the Hendry family's fourth generation, led by George's son Michael Hendry, continues the legacy of crafting exceptional wines. The family's commitment to preserving the integrity of the land and producing exceptional wines has made Hendry Winery one of the most respected and sought-after wineries in Napa Valley.
Visitors to the winery can experience the rich history and winemaking traditions firsthand through tastings, tours, and events. The Hendry Ranch offers stunning panoramic views of the valley, and guests can explore the vineyards and learn about the family's commitment to sustainable agriculture.
As one of the oldest continuously operated vineyards in Napa Valley, Hendry Winery's deep-rooted history and dedication to quality winemaking make it a must-visit destination for wine enthusiasts looking to explore California's renowned wine country.
Introduction
Hello, my name is Franklin Laurel - Welcome!
I started drinking wine in 1992 when I was in my early twenties and recently married. Like many other young Southern Californians, it started out with White Zinfandel. As we were a couple of young DINKs just beginning life together, and on a budget, our go-to-wine was Sutter Home White Zinfandel, which tasted a lot like wine coolers and probably cost at the time $2.49. If we really were going to splurge, we would step it up and buy Beringer White Zinfandel for $2.99. Those were the days....
After a little time, we decided to get fancy. We stepped up our game and bought some wonderful 2-Buck Chuck from Trader Joe's. The Charles Shaw (Trader Joe's Exclusive Label) wine, also known as 2-Buck-Chuck extended our pallet into Reds for only $1.99 a bottle. Over the years we continued to grow in our understanding of wine (finally ran into some good wine) and we slowly kept buying better and better bottles.
Our first wine club purchase was from Kenwood's Vineyards, in Kenwood, California located in Sonoma Valley, right next to the famous Napa Valley. I began to learn about tobacco leather, and earthiness, and lots of other strange terminology when tasting their signature Zinfandels (of the red variety). So that is how it all began.
Fast forward a couple decades, and we have been members of five different wine clubs, and now have a passion for California's red wines. My favorite by far is Cabernet Sauvignon, while my wife fancies a good Syrah, Malbec, or Merlot - but she also loves the smell of a wine barrel room, which is all about the notes of Cabernet Sauvignon.
As I come across great wine resources and useful information that I find in planning my own wine trips, I will share here for anyone that might stumble across my humble website.
Cheers! - Franklin Laurel