Makers' Stories
William Hill
— Napa Valley is exceptionally blessed to have climates and soils equal to the best in the world for the growing of wine.
What are the most rewarding aspects of your work?
Nurturing the annual cycle of renewal and life that is the growing of grapes.
What are the greatest challenges?
Increasing scarcity of land with the climates and soils to make great wine.
Which wine was your "a-ha!" wine – the one that made you love wine or inspired you to get into the industry?
There wasn’t one. It was more a gradual awakening over several years in my graduate school years.
How does your winery help tell the Napa Valley story?
Through the flavors and aromas of wines made from our grapes, by us or other artisan winemakers.
When was your first Napa Valley harvest?
1975
Our motto at the NVV is "cultivating excellence." What does this phrase mean to you and how do you cultivate excellence at your winery?
We understand the prime importance of best climates and soils and most talented people. We strive for these goals.
How did you get started in the wine business?
I was seeking a career path that I would love and never retire. I found it in the wine industry.
If you weren't a Napa Valley vintner, what would you be doing?
I would be making Pinot Noir and Chardonnay in Sonoma.
Name a Napa Valley vintner who has influenced you and briefly explain why.
Not one but many. The legions of people migrating to the Napa Valley in search of quality of life and the agrarian life style. Also, the advocates of sustainability.
What do you think makes Napa Valley unique compared to other wine regions?
The most important determinant of wine quality is the site-specific combination of climate and soils. Everything else can be imported. The latter includes talented people, technology, and grape varieties. Napa Valley is exceptionally blessed to have climates and soils equal to the best in the world for the growing of wine.
What are you doing at your winery to help preserve and enhance Napa Valley for the future? (e.g., sustainable practices, family succession plan, community service, etc.)
We strive to grow the best possible grapes for artisan winemakers and to make the best possible wine, both in a fully sustainable way.
Est. 2009
Prime Solum
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The Makers