From your first glance at either of its beautiful cellar doors, it is clear that HALL Winery is the result of an exceptional vision brought to life. That would be the vision of Kathryn Hall, who grew up amongst vines and dreamed of creating her own. The outcome is one of the most esteemed and exceptional vineyards in the Napa Valley.

HALL Vineyard is a celebration of the finer things in life—and not just utterly divine wine. There’s also exquisite art, beautiful and thought-provoking architecture, and delectable food as well.

Beneath the glitzy facade, however, HALL Winery has heart and soul. With true passion underpinning it and a commitment to social good, there’s nothing to dislike about this exceptional estate.

The creative team behind HALL Winery may not be the first to compare wine with art… but they might just take it the most literally. The winning combination of fine art and architecture and, of course, some very fine wine, makes HALL Winery an absolute winner. It’s one of the Napa Valley’s most notorious wineries for a reason.

History of HALL Winery

Behind the contemporary exterior of HALL Winery, there is a long and illustrious history that spans about a century and a half.

The first vines were planted on the estate some 150 years ago, long before current owner Kathryn Hall dreamed of operating her own winery. From its earliest origins, the estate grew rapidly to encompass more than 500 acres of vines.

In fact, such was the estate’s early influence on the Napa Valley region, that at one time it produced around 40% of the region’s grapes. At this time, it was known as the home of the Napa Valley Co-Op.

Fast forward to 1995, and wine enthusiast Kathryn Hall dreamt of opening her own winery. Having grown up on a family-run vineyard, she had the experience to know what worked - and the dreams to create something even more unique. So, when a property in Rutherford became available, she quickly snatched it up.

Over the next decade, two other historic properties – St. Helena Bergfeld and 1885 Bergfeld – were added, creating an expansive estate containing some of the region’s best wines. Meticulously, Kathryn renovated the property, creating a true masterpiece of modern architecture.

What to Expect

Today, HALL Winery is a celebration of the artistic side of life. From the sublime architecture of the property, to the amazing art on the walls and, of course, the delectable wine - there’s an undeniable zest for life about this vineyard and its two cellar doors.

At HALL St. Helena’s, you’ll find around three dozen contemporary art sculptures dotted around the property. The sight of natural beauty paired with artistic talent is truly exceptional and adds to the unique ambience and appeal of this winery.

Considering that it is one of the valley’s most expansive estates - with over 500 acres of vineyards - you’d be forgiven for thinking HALL would be a slick corporate outfit. There’s no doubt it’s a well-put-together vineyard - but it’s never lost its soul. Under the careful curation of Kathryn Hall, it’s a property with true depth and warmth.

While the wine at HALL is unapologetically luxurious, the property is actually quite welcoming. With numerous events and a passion for introducing people from all walks of life to wine, it’s a fabulous place for all guests.

Of course, art lovers are sure to feel particularly at home surrounded by the many beautiful artworks that are found in the buildings as well as the manicured grounds. The ultra-modern visitor’s center - which took a decade to complete - is unparalleled.

HALL does not rest on its good looks and charisma alone, however. The fabulous wine speaks for itself, having delighted everyone from seasoned critics to casual drinkers.

About 50% of the grapes used in HALL wines are sourced from their own vineyards, while the other 50% is carefully selected from other Napa Valley producers. On their estate, the emphasis is on Bordeaux varieties, with reds such as Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon particularly delectable.

Yet another unique aspect of HALL Vineyard’s approach is the commitment to sustainability and environmental responsibility. The team at HALL Vineyard treat the earth with the respect it deserves - not only so that epic wines may be produced, but also so that it will continue for further generations.

This is just one of the ways that HALL lives up to its ethos of corporate responsibility. They also aim to support the local community, from other residents to their own staff, in any way they can. So, you can certainly feel good as you raise a glass of their exceptional vino.

Awards and Accolades

It is an achievement for any vineyard to notch up 90+ points ranking from the premier critics, but at HALL, they’ve done it over 250 times.

It’s impossible to list all of the wines that have garnered the nod of approval from renowned critics but suffice to say - the winery is heavily awarded. In particular, HALL Vineyard’s Cabernet Sauvignon varietals have been released to rave reviews.

Take the 2013 Rainin Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon, for example. It managed to secure an unbeatable 100 points from renowned critic Robert Parker. As if that isn’t impressive enough, the 2014 vintage achieved the same feat, this time from critic Jeb Dunnuck.

It’s perhaps unsurprising, then, that a number of HALL’s wines have made it onto several impressive “best of” lists. For example, the 2008 Kathryn Hall Cabernet Sauvignon came in at #2 on Wine Spectator’s Top 100 Wines.

Clearly, this is a winery with serious credentials.

Wines to Try

It’s hard to have a bad wine at HALL Vineyards. Of course, it would be a crime to leave without sampling an ample amount of the fantastic Cabernet Sauvignon. In particular, the flagship Kathryn Hall label is an absolute showstopper, and one that will cellar for decades and only get better.

You’ll also find some exceptional blends, Merlots and even a white, if that’s more your style. In fact, don’t be surprised if you leave with a brand-new favorite.