PUBLICATION
Wine Spectator
DATE
July 31, 2023
BY
Maryann Worbiec
“Only 200 acres are planted, surrounded by steep hills filled with native oaks and plenty of wildlife…what is planted to grapes has made it one of the most lauded vineyards in California.”
“Best overall: Hudson Ranch & Vineyards checks a lot of boxes. The Carneros winery has a deep history in Napa Valley; is a leader in sustainable farming; produces a variety of great wines (though this isn’t where you go for those “big Cabs”); and the 2,000-acre property is stunning. You’ll find far-reaching views, gardens, a small pond and contemporary architecture. You can even add a hike or picnic to your experience.”
“There are so many reasons to visit Napa Valley. Napa’s terroir, a perfect combination of sunshine, rich soil, geography, topography, and climate is the secret behind the region’s exceptional wines. Beyond the Napa wineries experience, there’s also a vibrant foodie scene, the sheer beauty of the valley, tours, classes, concerts, picnics, festivals, auctions, and people-watching. Here, we share our curated guide to Napa’s classics, and the hidden gems insiders go. Cheers.”
“IT’S FINALLY SUMMERTIME, and that means it’s time to go wine tasting. After many months of pandemic uncertainty, the Bay Area’s various wine countries are beginning to look like themselves again — so much so, in fact, that you’ll want to make your tasting reservations in advance. Wineries are busy right now.”
“Lee and Cristina Hudson announced today the appointment of wine industry veteran and former LVMH executive Peter Willmert to the role of CEO Hudson Napa Valley, responsible for Hudson vineyards, wines, ranch and grocery. A wine industry leader with over 20 years of experience in wine, luxury, and consumer branded goods — including marketing; finance; direct, wholesale and export sales; and winery, farming and vineyard operations — Willmert most recently served as Vice President at Estates & Wines, North America for LVMH Moët Hennessy, responsible for the development of their international wine portfolio in the U.S., Canada and Mexico.”
“For over thirty years Lee Hudson has grown premium grapes on over 200 acres in the Carneros AVA. Currently, he sells to 27 of Napa and Sonoma’s premier vintners, who include the ‘Hudson Vineyards’ designation on their labels. Born and raised in Houston, Texas, Lee received his B.S. in Horticulture at the University of Arizona. In 1975 he moved to France and worked with Jacques Seysses of Domaine Dujac, in Morey St. Denis, Burgundy for 2 years. Lee returned to the U.S. to continue his graduate studies in viticulture and enology at the University of California, Davis, where many of his former classmates are now his clients. In 2008 he was awarded “Grower of the Year” by the Napa Valley Grapegrowers Association. Hudson is also a significant philanthropic force, supporting, among other things, Napa’s annual charity auction and community healthcare organizations such as Queen of Valley Foundation.”
“Napa and Sonoma have survived some difficult years, but wine producer Cristina Salas-Porras Hudson of Hudson Ranch describes the resilience and unity that got them through—and her favorite spots for eating, drinking and exploring.”
“A Wine Country Icon. Situated in the rolling hills of the Carneros District, Hudson Ranch and Vineyards does a little bit of everything beautifully — owner Lee Hudson and his wife, Cristina, have made sure of that. Since establishing the property in 1981, the Hudsons now produce world-class wine grapes and Tuscan olives for olive oil, raise heritage breed pigs, lamb and chickens, and grow a variety of produce for the ranch’s grocery store, Hudson Greens and Goods.”
“Hudson Vineyards is a 2000 acre ranch (nearly 200 acres are planted to vines) contained entirely within the Napa side of Carneros in the southern part of the Napa Valley, just north of the San Pablo Bay. Look for the Hudson flags flying near the entrance to their driveway off of Highway 121 (including the black pirate jolly roger flag). Founder, Robert Hudson (always referred to as Lee – his middle name) purchased the ranch in 1981 and soon thereafter started planting wine grapes. His first harvest was in 1983. A number of highly unusual varieties (for the Napa Valley) are planted on the ranch including Aleatico, Albariño, Arneis, Friulano, Ribolla Gialla, Verdejo and Vermentino.”
“On Sept. 1, Lee and Cristina Salas-Porras Hudson and their team opened the doors to Napa’s newest winery. Located on their 2,000-acre ranch just north of San Pablo Bay in Napa’s Carneros region, the winery, caves and tasting rooms form a village-like collection of structures where guests taste wines and learn about the history of both the property and the proprietors.”
“Farmer-to-the-stars Lee Hudson invites former Chez Panisse chef David Tanis to his Napa Valley home to create a California-style Thanksgiving dinner, using ingredients grown on Hudson’s 2,000-acre ranch.”
“In 1975, Lee Hudson came to California. The black sheep scion of a Texas oil family, Hudson was a gardener, vegetarian and yogi, more taken with long-handled hoes than longhorns.
He’d been introduced to Maynard Amerine, the UC Davis wine scholar, who took Hudson to Napa Valley. Hudson surveyed the hilltop vista at Sterling Vineyards and the sweeping view at Robert Mondavi Winery, and was struck silent.”