Donald Hess, fourth generation family company owner, pioneered vineyards in Mount Veeder in 1978. As a family company based in Berne, Switzerland, Hess operates new world wineries, properties, hospitality and art collections. The Hess Collection winery in Redwood Road, Napa welcomes visitors willing to taste its three tiers of chardonnay and cabernet which are specialties. The Hess Selection encompasses Chardonnay 08 (Monterey), Sauvignon Blanc 09 (Lake County), made in stainless, Syrah 07 (Mendocino) and Cabernet 07 (Mendocino, Lake County, Napa). Startling the single vineyard wines is Allemi Vineyard with an American oak Cabernet 07, Petite Sirah 06 and Sauvignon Blanc 08 (wooded). Another single vineyard Su’skol produces Chardonnay 07.The original Mt Veeder selections are Chardonnay 07, 19 Block Cuvee 07 (cabernet, malbec, syrah, merlot, verdot) and Cabernet 06. The next outstanding Mt Veeder red which stands tall is the Lion 04, made from cabernet and verdot.