When Irit and Ernie Weir founded Hagafen Cellars in 1980, they set out to produce the wines that they personally enjoyed. Since then, they have experienced a gradual but steady growth in production—from 300 bottles in 1980 to an annual 8,000 cases today. With a location in the heart of the Napa Valley, less than a mile south of the famed Stags Leap District and just 20 yards from the Oak Knoll District, one might expect even higher production numbers. But that’s simply not how the Weirs measure success. Instead, they point to the diverse selection of prized varietals they produce and the fact that Hagafen Cellars wines have frequently graced the glasses of foreign dignitaries at the White House.
The Weirs owe the superb quality of their wines to Ernie’s daily involvement in production. “Fine wine starts in the vineyard with careful vineyard management,” Ernie says. “I never seek to change what nature has provided. My goal is to showcase the best that our land has produced.” And Ernie believes in making the land the best it can be. As a result of his own initiative to comply with the rigorous standards of state and federal water quality laws, the federal Endangered Species Act, and state pesticide laws, one of Ernie’s vineyards recently earned Fish Friendly Farming Environmental certification.
Once the grapes are in, Ernie’s energies turn to winemaking. “This presents an interesting challenge every time, since each year the growing season and harvest are unique,” Ernie says. To top it off, all Hagafen Cellars wines are produced according to Jewish dietary laws.
The Hagafen Cellars tasting room is cozy and ideal for tasting several artisanal wines from one winemaker. Here, it is evident that the Weirs have accomplished their goal of creating wonderful wines.