Hope & Grace Wines

Hope and Grace Wines was founded in 2001 by Charles Hendricks, a winemaker and consultant, who named his wine after his daughters, Hope and Grace Hendricks.  Their small, attractive tasting room opened in 2007 and is located in downtown Yountville on the main street (Washington Street) near Bouchon restaurant.  Only 2500 cases per year are produced of their single vineyard, 100% varietal, hand crafted wines.  Grapes are sourced mostly from Napa Valley and range from $28 to $75.  Current production includes Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling, Pinot Noir, Malbec, and Cabernet Sauvignon, with their Pinot Noir grapes coming from the Santa Lucia Highlands, one of the finest Pinot Noir regions in the U.S.

At the time of our visit, had three different tasting flights at $10, $15 and $25. We opted for the $10 flight that included four wines.  The Hope and Grace 2009 Chardonnay ($32) is made without any malolactic conversion and with minimal oak, in a style that I prefer because the varietal characteristics are not lost from overbearing butteriness.  The Hope and Grace 2009 Pinot Noir ($46) from Santa Lucia was good with cherry on the nose and palate along with a touch of cinnamon. My favorite, though, was the Hope and Grace 2008 Malbec from Oak Knoll ($64), with 24 months on French Oak.  It won't make you forget a really great Argentine Malbec, but it was quite decent for a California Malbec. We also enjoyed the Hope and Grace 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon ($58). Service was very pleasant and helpful, and they have various interesting artwork on display. Hope and Grace is certainly worth a visit.  Some great restaurants and the famous Bouchon Bakery are very nearby.

Hope & Grace Wines
6540 Washington St
Yountville, CA 94599
(707) 944-2500

Visited November 16, 2011