Hendry Napa Valley

Hendry Napa Valley is one of the most remarkably diverse estate producers in the valley, growing 11 different grape varieties on 117 acres in the Oak Knoll District, a breadth of planting that defies the Cabernet monoculture surrounding it. Founded in 1992 by the Hendry family, who have been farming the Redwood Road property since the 1970s, the estate grows everything from Cabernet Sauvignon and Zinfandel to the rare Albarino and Primitivo, creating a tasting experience of unusual variety.

The 117-acre vineyard on Redwood Road in the Oak Knoll District is planted to 11 varieties, one of the widest range of grapes under cultivation at any single Napa Valley estate. The cooler Oak Knoll climate supports this diversity, providing conditions suitable for both warm-climate reds like Zinfandel and cool-climate whites like Albarino. George Hendry's decades of farming have identified which soil types and microclimates on the property best suit each variety.

Mike Hendry crafts wines from each of the 11 varieties, producing a portfolio that allows visitors to taste across Napa Valley's varietal potential in a single visit. The old-vine Zinfandel is spicy and concentrated, the Albarino is crisp and aromatic, the Primitivo (genetically identical to Zinfandel but vinified differently) provides a lighter Italian-style alternative, and the Cabernet delivers classic Oak Knoll elegance.

Tastings are by appointment on the Redwood Road estate. The $40 fee includes access to one of the most diverse tasting experiences in the valley.

Hendry matters because its 11 varieties demonstrate that Napa Valley's terroir supports far more agricultural diversity than the market currently encourages. The estate is a living argument against monoculture and a celebration of the viticultural range that the Oak Knoll District can sustain.