Inside HALL

Monitoring and Adjusting: In order to preserve the wine’s quality, winemakers closely monitor the wine's temperature, oxygen exposure, and other factors. This allows them to make real-time adjustments.

Racking plays a pivotal  role in imparting all of the desirable flavors and notes of quality wines. It is a testament to the dedication and craftsmanship of winemakers who strive to create wines that not only taste exceptional but also showcase the artistry behind the scenes. The next time you visit HALL St. Helena, check out the tanks in our production facility and learn more about the winemaking process. If you’re lucky, you can see the winemakers in action through the glass windows in the Member’s Lounge! Here’s to racking wine and drinking exceptional wines of a place!

COLORS IN THE GRAPES

During this time, grape colors change from green to a range of colors such as deep purple and golden yellow. You also might notice different colors all mixed in a grape cluster. For example, Cabernet Sauvignon grapes start as green, hard grapes and during veraison, they turn pink and then a dark purple, deep blue color. Sauvignon Blanc grapes also start off at green color and are hard, small grapes and then become translucent or yellow tinted.

THE NITTY GRITTY

While Veraison is a physical transformation to the eye, it also contains an important chemical transformation. Essentially, the energy from photosynthesis in the roots is transferred from vine to grape. As the fruit grows from the energy, the grapes develop sugar, polyphenols, and aroma compounds – this protects them from the sun! As the grape starts to turn color, it is important to monitor them. The winemaking team picks a few grapes to test sample’s acid levels, pH, and sugar levels. The time in between grape veraison and harvest fluctuates, however this stage is exciting for the whole winery as it predicates the first day of Harvest!

After prohibition, the Bergfeld building was abandoned and dubbed a “ghost winery” for many years, until being rediscovered in 1933 with its production equipment intact. New structures were built and the tank capacity was doubled to over 500,000 gallons. The Bergfeld building became the Napa Valley Co-Op Winery, and the largest and most important winery in the Napa Valley—producing 40% of Napa Valley Wines through the 1950s.

When the Hall family bought this property in 2003, their intent was to create a spectacular winery facility combining great architecture, art, and wine all while maintaining the incredible history of the Bergfeld Building as a once integral part of our winemaking community. We now honor this building by hosting our most exclusive seated tastings on the top floor. You can learn more about tasting experiences hosted in the Bergfeld Building on our visit page!

HALL’s Ultimate Cabernet Experience
This exclusive, seated experience showcases our highly rated Napa Valley Cabernets paired with artisan cheeses. Our most experienced wine educators will guide you through the terroir and wine making techniques of each wine -  It’s the perfect tasting for any wine lover looking to experience the best of Napa Valley Cabernet . 

90 minute experience hosted daily 
$150 per person

HALLmark Tour
Our signature tour starts with a stroll around the grounds where you’ll learn about the history of the property and our extensive art collection.  You’ll also get an in-depth explanation of the HALL winemaking philosophy of precision grape growing and wine making.  The tour concludes with a seated tasting of a flight of our artisan Cabernet Sauvignon wines paired with select cheeses. 

This tour is a wonderful way to become acquainted with HALL as a wine producer, and an excellent opportunity to learn about Napa Valley as a whole as you walk by beautiful vineyards.

90 minute experience hosted daily
$75 per person

The Art of Cabernet
This tasting features a flight of award-winning Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignons, and is hosted at our world class tasting bar overlooking the vineyards and Mayacamas Mountains. This tasting is 60 minutes and is a great way to taste through our Napa Valley Cabernet portfolio.  

60 Minute Experience hosted daily 
$60 per person 

Looking for an excuse to uncork your favorite bottle of wine? How about a cozy night in — HALL Cabernet paired with a hearty Beef Stew. 

This classic dish is made by simmering beef, vegetables, and spices in a rich broth until the meat is tender and the flavors are melded together. And when it comes to a wine pairing,  HALL’s Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon is an excellent choice - the dark fruit and rich tannin of our wines compliment the bold flavor profile of the meal. 

Just ask HALL Wines aficionado Tracey Ceurvels (@traceyceurvels).  She sent us this mouth-watering Beef Stew recipe to accompany Ellie's Cabernet Sauvignon. 

Here’s what you’ll need to get started:

3 pounds boneless beef chuck, cut into pieces (about 1½-inch)
Salt
Freshly ground black pepper
3 tablespoons olive oil
2 medium onions, sliced
6 cloves garlic, peeled and smashed
3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
1½ tablespoons tomato paste2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour plus 1 tablespoon
2 ½ cups of red wine to cook with (typically a wine you don’t mind missing out on drinking)
2 ½ cups beef broth
2 bay leaves
½ teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon sugar
5 large carrots, peeled and cut into chunks
4 large potatoes, cut into chunks

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 325°F and set a rack in the lower middle position.
2. Pat the beef dry and season with the salt and pepper then dust with 2 tablespoons of flour
3. In a large Dutch oven (or a large pot) heat 1 tablespoon of the olive oil over medium-high heat. Sear the meat until browned, about 2-3 minutes on each side. You may need to do this in batches as you don’t want to crowd the pan. Transfer the meat once browned to a plate or bowl.
4. Add the onions and stir for a minute or two.
5. Add the tomato paste and garlic, continuing to stir. Then add the balsamic vinegar and stir to get up the brown bits—about 5 minutes total.
6. Return the beef to the pan and sprinkle with remaining flour. Stir until the flour is dissolved then add the wine, beef broth, bay leaves, thyme, and sugar. Stir so everything is combined. Bring to a boil. Then cover the pot, place in the oven and cook for 2 hours.
7. Once the 2 hours are up, add the carrots and potatoes. Cover and return to the oven and cook for 45 minutes to an hour. Serve with bread, wine, and perhaps HALL’s Ellie’s Cabernet Sauvignon which features notes of blackcurrant preserves, sage and oak with silky tannins.

Cheers to cozy nights in, and dinner at home with HALL!

Come for the world-class wine, stay for the expressive art (and more wine of course!). Across our properties are exquisite pieces of modern artwork. At HALL St. Helena, there is art everywhere – including the Visitors Center itself!

HALL is more than just about crazy good Cabs. We are actively involved in numerous arts, culture, music, and philanthropic efforts adding to the rich and diverse character of Napa Valley.

Wine and Art Exploration Experience

It’s no doubt that the winery structure itself is state of the art. With its modern look and expansive property, this experience is the perfect way to enjoy the art, your wine, or both! The Wine and Art Exploration Experience is private experience where we share the stories about Craig and Kathryn Hall’s vision, passion for art, and history. Featuring some of the most internationally acclaimed artists today, guests will be guided through the collection, while tasting some of HALL's amazing wines.

The Art Tour App

Came to visit on a busy weekend or just wanting to take your time? Download the HALL Wines St. Helena Art App on your smart phone for the perfect self-guided experience. Enjoy walking throughout the property to learn about our art pieces and sip as you go! All the artists mentioned on the App can be found on our Art Page.

HALL Rutherford

At our HALL Rutherford property, we offer our Appellation Exploration and our Platinum Experience. Both of which can be hosted in our Chandelier Room. Experience a lovely tasting and enjoy the cave brought to life by Donald Lipski’s magnificent “Chilean Red” chandelier.

Origin:

Once upon a time, Cabernet Franc and Sauvignon Blanc met and created Cabernet Sauvignon. Originally from Bordeaux, France, Cabernet Sauvignon has become the most planted wine grape in the world. Cabernet Sauvignon is a popular red wine that is full in body and thrives a few special regions such as Bordeaux, Chile, and California (The Napa Valley of course!).

Flavor profile:

When it comes to flavors, a Cabernet sauvignon is typically packed with complex flavors of dark berries with hints of spice or tobacco and a powerful finish. With tannins and acidity falling right in the middle, a good Cab can be enjoyed and paired with many different foods, or even by itself. You can’t go wrong!

Our favorite pairing recommendations:

There are so many ways to pair your wine, and we’ve highlighted our favorites to ensure that you can receive the full flavors notes of this delicious wine. Whether you’re looking for ideas for a wine night with friends, holiday gatherings, or a dinner date, here are 3 classic pairings that will make your glass of Cab shine.

Red meat is the soul mate of Cabernet Sauvignon. To enhance the most flavors and a smooth finish on the palate, we suggest sipping your Cab with a slightly fattier steak such as ribeye or sirloin, served rare to medium-rare. A grilled rack of lamb recipe is another perfect pairing – the flavors of the meat & Cabernet will be sure to impress. For those looking for a non-meat dish and want to taste the notes of their Cab, we love a grilled Portobello mushroom with butter and garlic. Pair your dish of choice with a side of cheesy polenta and a bottle of the Coeur Cabernet Sauvignon, and bon appétit!

Ladies’ night? You can’t go wrong with a charcuterie board. With a Cabernet Sauvignon, it’s recommended to pair your wine with a hard cheese such as gouda or an aged cheddar. Make your board full by adding crackers, nuts, dried fruit, and prosciutto with your favorite cheeses, and you are good to go! Pair each bite with the delicate Eighteen Seventy-Three Cabernet Sauvignon. With complex fruit aromas of ripe blackberry and plum, and a powerful, bright finish, your contribution to Ladies’ night will be an absolute hit. Cheers!

It’s a pizza night, and wine with pizza is a must. Elevate every pizza night with a bottle of Craig’s Cabernet Sauvignon! A rich cheesy pizza with pepperoni or sausage from your favorite restaurant will pair perfectly with this exceptionally balanced, drinkable wine. Something so easy as pizza and wine has never tasted so good. We love a Wednesday night pizza with Craig’s!

How Long Do I Age My Wine? 

This is a question we hear quite a bit. The truth is, wine ages at different rates depending on the varietal, vintage, wine region, and wine making style. No one can tell you when your wine is “ready” because it is completely based on your personal preference. We can, however, give you guidelines to follow so that you can decide for yourself how long to age your wine before drinking. 

Do You Recommend Aging HALL Wines? 

The #1 question to ask yourself when aging wine is, is this wine of quality? A good wine will endure over time, but a GREAT wine will get better as it ages. All of HALL’s wines are hand crafted from the best fruit Napa Valley has to offer. Our wines are nuanced and layered, and elegantly balanced with a firm tannin structure and bright acidity. Because of this, you can count on HALL wines to age beautifully.  

How Will My Wine Change as it Ages?

As your wine ages in the bottle, there are many chemical reactions happening that can alter the flavor, aroma, and texture.

For example, as red wine ages, the bold tannins will become softer. This is why Cabernet Sauvignon is an excellent wine to age.  (If you’re wondering what a tannin is, it’s what creates a drying sensation on your tongue when you take a sip). Cabernet Sauvignon grapes have a thick skin, which is what gives the wine bold tannin structure. Because of this, a young cabernet sauvignon can age for many years, and with each passing year you’ll find it develops a softer, rounder flavor profile.  

You’ll also notice a very different nose and taste over time. This is the appeal of aging wine, as it almost transforms as it sits in the bottle. The big fruit flavors you might notice in a young wine will become secondary, and other more subtle flavors will come forward - especially earthy and savory flavors, and the oak influence. If these are flavors you enjoy over bold fruit, then you are a great candidate for aging your wine. 

Here is a basic outline of how long you should age wines based on varietal:

0 – 2 years: Aromatic white wines like Riesling, Muscat, and Sauvignon Blanc

1 – 3 years: Weighty white wines like Chardonnay, Viognier, Roussanne, or Marsanne 

1 – 4 years: Lighter reds including most Sangiovese, Pinot Noir, Grenache, Tempranillo

2 – 5 years: Medium reds like Zinfandel, Barbera, and  Merlot

2 – 7 years: Medium/heavy reds including Syrah, Cabernet Franc, Malbec

2 – 10+ years: Heavier reds such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Petite Sirah, Red Ports

How important is it that I choose the right wine glass?
As winemakers, we craft our wines carefully so that you can enjoy and savor the aroma as well as the taste. The right wine glass will gather the wine’s aroma in a way that brings out the unique characteristics and nuances we have worked hard to create. For us, the right wine glass is essential to your experience!

What are the most important aspects of a wine glass to consider?
When it comes to picking the right glassware, the decision is less about deciding between a stem vs. stemless wine glass, and more so about the size and shape of the bowl.

Which wine glass is best suited for red wines? 
In general, you want your red wine in a wine glass with a wide bowl. A wider bowl will expose your wine to more oxygen allowing the full bodied flavors to “open up".

The classic Bordeaux wine glass - perfectly paired with bold reds with high tannins like a cabernet sauvignon, or merlot. Look for a glass with a wide rim and medium sized bowl.  The design of this wine glass allows more oxygen to contact the wine, and ethanol (alcohol) evaportes.  Your bold red wines will taste smoother and the shape will bring out the fruit flavors. 

Burgundy or Pinot Noir Wine Glass - This style wine glass generally has a shorter stem and very wide bowl to help collect the bolder aromas of delicate red wines like pinot noir.  The wide rim also makes sure the wine hits your palate in the right way to bring out maximum sweetness.

Which wine glass is best suited for white wine?
White wine glasses are generally shorter and have a smaller bowl size. The aromas are much lighter in white wines, so you want a wine glass that allows you to get your nose much closer to the wine.

High Acid White Wines - When drinking a white wine with high acids like a sauvignon blanc, or riesling you want a wine glass with a narrow bowl to concentrate the aromas.  This slim wine glass shape also helps regulate the temperature and keep the wines chilled.

Chardonnay or Montrachet Wine Glass - Glasses designed for chardonnay or other full bodied white wines have a very large bowl similar to the burgundy style but are slightly smaller and shorter, with a much smaller stem.  These varietals are often oaked, and you want the big surface area to bring out their rich qualities. 

How Do I Decant Wine Correctly?
The first step to decant successfully is to let your wine sit upright for a full day before decanting. This is key in letting the sediment settle on the bottom of the bottle.

When you are ready, pour the wine in the decanter at a slow, steady pace, making sure not to disturb the sediment. Ideally you will keep the bottle below a 45 degree angle. Pour the wine into the decanter so that it hits the sides of the glass - this is important because it will expose your wine to more oxygen! Try to leave about half an ounce of wine in the bottle with the sediment.

How Long Do I Decant My Wines For?
Decanting can take anywhere from 15 minutes up to 4 hours, depending on the wine. Full-bodied red wines with high tannin (like a Cabernet Sauvignon) generally need the most time to decant, but you can speed this process up by choosing a decanter with a wide base to increase the amount of oxygen exposure to your wine.

Expect to let your full bodied red wines decant for 1 - 2 hours, and decant light bodied wines for 30 minutes - 1 hour.

What Type of Decanter Should I use?
As mentioned above, if you want to decant a full-bodied red wine, opt for a decanter with a wide base.

If you want to decant a medium-bodied red wine (like our WALT Pinot Noir) opt for a medium sized decanter.

If you want to decant a light bodied red wine, serve in a small to medium sized decanter that’s been chilled.If you do choose to decant a white wine or a rose, we recommend using a small, chilled decanter.

visit our Wine Tips page to learn more

Why Should I Decant My Wines?
The main reasons to decant is to amplify the wine’s flavor by exposing it to air, bring wines to the correct temperature, and to separate the sediment from the liquid. Decanting is especially important for Cabernet Sauvignon! Young Cabernet Sauvignons tend to have strong tannins, and decanting can accelerate the breathing process, increase the natural aromas from the fruit and oak, and soften the harsh taste of the tannins.  HALL’s Napa Valley Cabernets age beautifully, and decanting is the best way to remove the sediment that builds up as the wine ages.

Should Every Wine Be Decanted?
Yes! Nearly every wine will benefit from being decanted, with the exception of sparkling wine.