From Humble Beginnings...
Hagafen Cellars is located in Napa Valley, the heart of California's premier wine country! Owned and operated by Irit and Ernie Weir, the Hagafen brand was founded in 1979 and the first commercially released vintage was harvested in 1980. Since those early days, the enterprise has steadily evolved from a humble partnership into a distinguished and highly regarded boutique wine brand.
Leveraging Ernie's viticultural expertise, the Weir's purchased a few acres of land of Napa's Silverado Trail in 1986. They envisioned this location as an ideal setting for growing Cabernet Sauvignon. Ernie and the Weir family gradually began shaping the entire property into the serene hidden gem that is today. Ernie, affectionately known as Don Ernesto, continues to fulfill the roles of Owner, Vineyard Manager, and Winemaker.
"Fine wine starts in the vineyard with careful vineyard management," says Weir. "Once harvest is completed, I undertake the second part of my job, winemaking."
Hung upon the walls of the winery you can also sneek a peek of some of Irit's unique artwork. Click here to learn more about Irit's artwork.
...To White House Involvement
Since 1981, Hagafen wines have been served to numerous foreign dignitaries at the U.S. White House on various occasions. With the finest Napa Valley fruit and a passion for high-quality winemaking, the Weir's have produced several varietals over the years that have been served and enjoyed from the Reagan administration onward!
Daniel Shanks, Head Usher at the White House, explains our nation's Capitol residence's philosophy of wine:
"A perfectly aged Cabernet may be great in a glass, but it can't stand up to the intense atmosphere of a White House state dinner. You have to have something with youth and vigor." Shank goes on to note that wine plays an important role in the White House: "A state dinner isn't about food and wine, it's bonding time." he says. "A country or issue is driving it, and the wine has to augment that." Only U.S, wines are served at all events, a policy since the Carter administration, and the wines selected must bring a sence of "presence" when they are paired with food. In fact, Shank's aim is to "showcase where American wines are going, not where they've been."
Dedicated to a Greener Napa Valley...
The Weir family is quick to embrace new and innovative practices. Hagafen Cellars belongs to several environmentally-conscious groups that focus on environmental stewardship, including, Napa Green, California Certified Organic Farmers (CCOF), and Bee Friendly Farmers (BFF) just to name a few. For more details, click this link.
Overcoming Obstacles...all part of the job!
While preserving the natural environment of the Napa Valley is vital to the world-famous wine region's success, there's only so much one can do to protect it from unpredictable acts of Mother Nature. From the occasional earthquake and wildfire, to operating a business during a pandemic, Hagafen has survived it all.
When asked how Ernie felt about the challenges his business has endured over the past few years, he responded with...
"We are farmers first, and farmers are resilient!"
50 Years and Counting...
And through it all, the story continues. The 2024 Harvest marks the 51st Harvest for Ernie Weir in Napa Valley! A milestone that a very select few have accomplished. Hagafen is proud to have a leader with such great experience, wisdom, and humility at our healm with no signs of slowing down!
