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Stony Hill Vineyard Summary

3331 St. Helena Hwy
St. Helena ,CA 94574
United States
stonyhillvineyard.com

Stony Hill Vineyard Description

Stony Hill Vineyard is an iconic winery nestled in the hills of Napa Valley, California. Established in 1943, it holds a special place in the region's winemaking history as one of the pioneers of California's wine industry. Owned and operated by the McCrea family for three generations, their commitment to traditional winemaking techniques and sustainable farming practices has garnered them a loyal following and a reputation for producing exceptional wines.

What sets Stony Hill Vineyard apart is their unwavering focus on crafting world-class Chardonnay and White Riesling. Unlike many modern wineries in Napa, they have remained steadfast in their dedication to these varietals, earning them recognition as a Chardonnay benchmark producer in the United States. The cool climate and unique volcanic soils of their vineyards result in wines that display crisp acidity, vibrant minerality, and delicate yet complex flavors.

Stony Hill Vineyard takes a hands-on approach to winemaking, emphasizing minimal intervention and allowing the natural expression of the grapes to shine through. Their meticulous grape selection, gentle whole-cluster pressing, and use of neutral oak barrels for aging help to preserve the purity and freshness of the fruit. The result is wines with remarkable balance, elegance, and aging potential, offering a true reflection of the terroir.

A visit to Stony Hill Vineyard is a journey back in time, as the charming winery and vineyards have retained their rustic and understated appeal over the decades. Visitors can experience breathtaking views of the valley while enjoying tastings of their renowned Chardonnays and Rieslings. The warm hospitality and genuine passion of the McCrea family create a memorable and authentic wine tasting experience for enthusiasts and connoisseurs alike.

In conclusion, Stony Hill Vineyard stands as a symbol of heritage and tradition in Napa Valley's winemaking landscape. With their unwavering commitment to quality, respect for the land, and dedication to showcasing the unique character of their vineyards, they continue to produce wines that captivate and delight wine lovers seeking true expressions of California's exceptional terroir.

What Makes Stony Hill Vineyard Different From Other Nearby Wineries?

Stony Hill Vineyard stands out among the plethora of wineries in California for several notable reasons. Firstly, this family-owned and operated winery has a rich history that spans over 70 years. Established in 1943, it is one of the oldest continuously operating wineries in the Napa Valley region. This long-standing commitment to winemaking has allowed the winery to hone its craft, resulting in highly acclaimed wines with a distinct character.

One of the unique aspects of Stony Hill Vineyard is its dedication to producing small-batch, handcrafted wines. Unlike many wineries that aim for mass production, Stony Hill focuses on quality over quantity. This approach enables the winery to maintain meticulous control over every aspect of the winemaking process, from vineyard management to fermentation and aging. As a result, their wines exhibit a level of craftsmanship and attention to detail that truly sets them apart.

Another factor that separates Stony Hill from its peers is its commitment to traditional winemaking techniques. While the region has seen a surge in modern, innovative winemaking practices, Stony Hill has remained steadfast in its commitment to traditional methods. This includes the use of neutral oak barrels, which allows the natural flavors of the grapes to shine without overpowering influence from the wood. Additionally, the winery employs minimal intervention during fermentation, letting the grapes develop their unique flavors naturally.

Furthermore, Stony Hill Vineyard focuses primarily on classic varietals such as Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon, which have become synonymous with the Napa Valley region. By specializing in these varietals, the winery has perfected their techniques over the years, consistently producing exceptional and nuanced wines that showcase the unique terroir of their vineyards.

The winery's location also plays a significant role in what sets it apart. Situated on the slopes of Spring Mountain, Stony Hill benefits from the region's microclimate, characterized by cooler temperatures and higher elevation. This distinctive climate contributes to the slow and even ripening of the grapes, resulting in wines with vibrant acidity, elegance, and a remarkable ability to age gracefully.

Lastly, Stony Hill Vineyard prides itself on offering an intimate and personal experience for visitors. Unlike some of the larger and more commercial wineries in the region, Stony Hill maintains a welcoming and down-to-earth atmosphere. Visitors have the opportunity to interact directly with the winemakers and learn about the winemaking process firsthand. This personal touch creates a memorable and educational experience that truly sets Stony Hill apart from the rest.

In conclusion, Stony Hill Vineyard distinguishes itself from other wineries in the region through its rich history, commitment to quality and traditional winemaking techniques, focus on classic varietals, unique microclimate, and personalized visitor experience. These elements combine to create a winery that consistently produces exceptional wines that capture the essence of the Napa Valley terroir.

What Some Possible Concerns About Stony Hill Vineyard ?

Some of the common criticisms or concerns expressed by visitors or reviewers about Stony Hill Vineyard include:

1. Limited wine selection: Some individuals have mentioned that Stony Hill Vineyard has a relatively small range of wines available compared to other wineries in California. This can be disappointing for those who prefer a broader variety of options to taste or purchase.

2. Lack of amenities or facilities: Some visitors have remarked that the winery lacks certain amenities often found at other wineries, such as a restaurant, picnic areas, or entertainment activities. While this might not be a concern for everyone, it can affect the overall experience for those looking for additional amenities.

3. Minimalistic tasting room: The tasting room at Stony Hill Vineyard is described as simple and minimalistic by some visitors. While some appreciate the understated ambiance, others have expressed a desire for a more visually appealing or spacious setting.

4. Limited visitation accessibility: As Stony Hill Vineyard is a small, family-owned winery, it may have limited availability for visits or tastings. Some individuals have mentioned difficulties in scheduling appointments or experiencing longer wait times due to the winery's popularity and limited capacity.

5. Inconsistent customer service: A few guests have reported experiencing inconsistent customer service at Stony Hill Vineyard. While some received personalized attention and friendly staff members, others have mentioned feeling rushed during tastings or encountering unfriendly staff.

It's important to note that these criticisms may not be universally shared and that experiences can vary from person to person. It's always best to read multiple reviews and visit the winery's official website for the most up-to-date information.

Stony Hill Vineyard History

Stony Hill Vineyard, situated atop the picturesque Spring Mountain in Napa Valley, California, holds a storied history that dates back over seven decades. Founded in 1943 by Fred and Eleanor McCrea, this family-owned winery has gained a remarkable reputation for producing exceptional, age-worthy wines with a distinct character and a commitment to classic winemaking techniques.

Fred McCrea, a former journalist and his wife Eleanor, an artist, purchased the property that would become Stony Hill Vineyard in 1941. Inspired by their love for the region's unique terroir and profound belief in the potential of Napa Valley wines, they set out to create a winery that embraces traditional winemaking methods. Initially, the estate was primarily focused on growing fruit trees, but the couple soon realized that the combination of Spring Mountain's climate and volcanic soils was exceptionally well-suited for grape cultivation.

With a vision and determination, Fred and Eleanor planted some of Napa Valley's first Chardonnay vines in 1948, facing skepticism from those who believed that this grape variety would not thrive in the region. However, their pioneering venture soon proved successful. The cool mountain climate and the unique soils of the property allowed the Chardonnay grapes to develop vibrant acidity and delicate flavors, eventually gaining recognition as some of the finest in the valley.

Stony Hill's early years were marked by modest production levels, as the McCreas focused primarily on selling their wines directly to family and friends. The couple's passion for winemaking and meticulous attention to detail resonated deeply in every bottle produced. Over time, their unwavering commitment to producing exceptional wines earned them a devoted following and critical acclaim within the wine community.

In the 1960s, Stony Hill Vineyard gained wider recognition and acclaim under the hands-on leadership of Fred and Eleanor's son, Peter McCrea, who took over winemaking responsibilities. Working closely with his parents, Peter continued to refine their traditional winemaking approach, often employing techniques borrowed from Burgundy, such as minimal intervention and fermentation in old French oak barrels. This dedication to craftsmanship allowed Stony Hill to consistently produce wines of remarkable complexity, finesse, and age-worthiness.

Despite the challenges faced by the wine industry, including fluctuations in consumer taste and market trends, Stony Hill Vineyard remained steadfast in its commitment to producing a limited selection of wines each year. Chardonnay has remained the winery's flagship grape variety, accounting for the majority of its production. Beyond the Chardonnay, Stony Hill also cultivates small amounts of Gewürztraminer, Riesling, and Cabernet Sauvignon.

Today, Stony Hill Vineyard stands as a testament to the McCrea family's legacy and unwavering passion for crafting exceptional wines. Peter's daughter, Sarah McCrea, has taken the reins as the winemaker and continues her family's tradition of producing classically styled wines that showcase the unique qualities of their terroir. With its stunning panoramic views, meticulously maintained vineyards, and a steadfast commitment to tradition, Stony Hill Vineyard remains an iconic and beloved establishment within the Napa Valley wine community.

Throughout its illustrious history spanning more than 75 years, Stony Hill Vineyard has cemented its place as one of California's most respected and admired wineries. Its dedication to traditional winemaking techniques, unwavering pursuit of quality, and the enduring legacy of the McCrea family have secured Stony Hill's position as a true Napa Valley icon.