This month we travel to Napa to visit what was once a ranch,
having some of the earliest vineyards in Napa. This land has seen it all…from
the planting boom of the late 1800s to the huge bust due to phylloxera, and
then the effects of Prohibition.
In the late 1960s and early 1970s there was a huge change in
Napa’s wine industry, with the price of grapes rising, wineries focusing on
quality instead of just quantity, and vineyard plantings were again booming.
George Hendry, son of the original owners and an engineer, built a reservoir on
the ranch property and replanted most of the ranch once again to vineyards.
At first, only Zinfandel and Pinot Noir were grafted, but he
realized the potential of the property and planted 20 acres to Cabernet
Sauvignon. In the 1970s Robert Mondavi started buying grapes from George and by
the late 1980s he bought all of the Pinot Noir and Chardonnay grapes from him.
Kent Rosenblum was buying the remaining nine acres of Zin and bottling a
“George Hendry Reserve.”
After 50 years of growing, the Hendry Ranch was developing a
reputation for its grapes.
Today, the vineyard is divided into 49 different blocks,
with each representing a unique combination of soils, vine vigor,
microclimates, rootstocks, clones, and varietals. They produce 11 different
varietals and more than a dozen wines.
Visiting Hendry Winery today is more than just tasting
wines. It’s a total experience. There are several different levels of tours and
tastings available. If you are looking for an in-depth educational tour and
tasting, you’ll find one available that will meet your expectations. Or, if you
want a brief overview of the property and its history, a tour of the vineyard,
and an opportunity to get to know the varietals…you’ll find one available for
this as well.
Whatever your pleasure…spending an afternoon at Hendry
Winery is a wonderful way to increase your wine knowledge.
For me, I love the entire experience and always learn
something new when I come here. Plus…well-made wines are always high on my
list, and Hendry fits the bill.
If You Go: Hendry Winery is located at 3104 Redwood Road in
Napa, CA. Check the website at www.hendrywines.com
to learn more or to book your visit.
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