A Pritchard Hill estate producing one of Napa's most acclaimed Chardonnays alongside mountain Cabernet. Bob Long's tiny production and decades of experience make this an insider's winery.
Long Vineyards is a Pritchard Hill estate that has been producing one of Napa Valley's most acclaimed Chardonnays alongside mountain Cabernet since 1977, when Bob and Zelma Long planted their vineyard on the eastern hillside above Lake Hennessey. The Chardonnay, from a vineyard block that benefits from Pritchard Hill's unique combination of elevation and volcanic soils, has earned a devoted following among collectors who recognize it as one of the finest white wines produced in the valley. The estate's position on Pritchard Hill, surrounded by cult Cabernet producers, makes the Chardonnay program an even more remarkable distinction.
The 15-acre vineyard sits on the slopes of Pritchard Hill, planted to Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Pinot Grigio on volcanic soils at an elevation that provides intense sunlight and cool nights. The Chardonnay block occupies a section of the hillside where the exposure and soil type combine to produce white wine of unusual depth and mineral complexity. The mountain Cabernet, from the estate's warmest blocks, delivers the Pritchard Hill intensity that the neighborhood is known for.
Winemaker Sandi Belcher produces a Chardonnay that stands apart from most California examples: barrel-fermented with restraint, aged on the lees for texture, and bottled with the mineral backbone that mountain-grown Chardonnay naturally provides. The wine ages beautifully, with bottles from the best vintages developing for a decade or more. The Cabernet is powerful and structured, classic Pritchard Hill. The Pinot Grigio is an unusual mountain-grown white.
Tastings are by appointment on the Pritchard Hill estate, where the views and the mountain setting provide context for the wines. The $75 fee includes the full portfolio, with the Chardonnay providing the most memorable pour.
Long Vineyards demonstrates that Pritchard Hill's volcanic terroir can produce exceptional white wine alongside the Cabernet that the neighborhood is famous for. The Chardonnay is a genuine anomaly on a hill dominated by red wine, and its quality proves that the best mountain sites can surprise even the winemakers who know them best.
Contact the winery for full details about this experience, including availability and any special requirements.
