Hill Family Estate

Doug and Darci Hill settled on an acre at the northern edge of Yountville in 1981. Their children grew up in the vineyards, tending chickens and helping neighbours grow organic produce for local restaurants including Thomas Keller's French Laundry. The family farmed grapes for other Napa wineries for decades before starting their own label in 2001.

The wines come from grapes Doug Hill grows across twelve distinct Napa vineyard sites, which gives an unusually broad picture of the valley from one producer. There are two places to taste, the winery and a separate tasting room, plus a winery picnic, a Secret Garden Tour and in-home tastings for groups. Michael scores it 8 across ambiance, wine and staff. A genuine hidden gem for a central Napa itinerary.