"Stony Hill sits high on the side of Spring Mountain, between the towns of St. Helena and Calistoga. Our approximately 30 acres of vineyard lie on a steep slope between Richie Creek to the north and Mill Creek to the south. Moderating climatic influences such as northeast exposure and an elevation between 800 and 1550 feet make this mild microclimate an ideal location for growing our grapes.
The bright, mineral backbone of our wines is a credit to the volcanic mountain soils and, far beneath the surface, limestone rock. Our dedication to dry farming over the last 65+ years has forced the vines to stretch roots ever deeper year after year, delivering the Stony Hill’s distinctive sense of place straight to the grapes at the surface.
Stony Hill’s vineyards are Napa Green Certified, and have been dry-farmed since their inception. Even throughout periods of drought, our natural springs and abundant groundwater have proven sufficient for wine growing." Credit
"Fred and Eleanor McCrea first stumbled across the property that would become Stony Hill Vineyard in the early 1940s. By 1943, they had made the rugged hillside spot on Spring Mountain their home. Fred and Eleanor loved the white wines of Burgundy, and while they would have planted the entire property to Chardonnay, viticulture advisors from the University of California recommended they diversify. They planted the first vines on the property in 1948 to Chardonnay, Riesling and a small amount of Pinot Blanc, followed a few years later by fields of Gewurztraminer and Semillon. The 21st century has seen the addition of Cabernet Sauvignon and a small amount of Syrah.
The first Stony Hill harvest came in 1952, and the wine was snatched up quickly by family and friends. By 1954, every bottle was sold via mailing list, with a waiting list growing by the day. Eleanor ran the business end of things and Fred made the wine, developing Stony Hill’s signature restrained style and minimalist approach. Upon Fred’s death in 1977, his assistant and protégé, Mike Chelini, picked up the winemaking mantle and has carried on Stony Hill’s winemaking tradition for now over 40 years.
After Eleanor’s passing in 1991, her son Peter and daughter-in-law Willinda assumed day-to-day management of the winery. And in 2011, their daughter Sarah joined the family business. Sarah’s entrepreneurial spirit, along with a commitment to maintaining Stony Hill’s reputation for wines of impeccable quality and longevity has brought the winery into a new era of renewed respect for Old World style winemaking with success and grace. " Credit
"PRIVATE VIRTUAL ZOOM TASTINGS
We are bringing Stony Hill hospitality to you. This interactive tasting experience requires nothing more than your computer, tablet or smartphone, a tasting pack, and approximately 45 minutes. We will provide all the instructions and computer support you’ll need, so don't worry about your technical abilities. Contact Whitney at 707.965.4528 or whitney@stonyhillvineyard.com to schedule and coordinate your Virtual Tasting.
Stony Hill Spectrum Tasting - These three wines are a perfect representation of the Stony Hill style and showcase the breadth of the portfolio. We'll taste the 2017 Chardonnay, 2018 Riesling and 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon.
Chardonnay Vintages Tasting - See for yourself why Stony Hill Chardonnay is known for its ageability brightness and elegance as we taste the 2011 Chardonnay and 2017 Chardonnay. Click the desired date below to register now.
Cabernet Comparison Tasting - This duo of the 2011 and 2016 vintages of Stony Hill Cabernet Sauvignon is a great study of the distinctiveness of terroir and time in a single vineyard. Click the desired date below to register now." Credit
Reservations By Appointment
Visit Hours Monday - Sunday 10:00 am to 3:30 pm
"Stony Hill Experience: $65 per person (Please allow 90 minutes) Join us for a tasting of current and library release wines at our family home with views overlooking the valley."
https://www.stonyhillvineyard.com/Visit/Make-an-Appointment
Text and photos courtesy Stony Hill Vineyards