Wine Portfolio

Dave Guffy

Winemaker, Hess Persson Estates

I was named assistant winemaker at Cambria in 1990, then winemaker in 1992, producing Chardonnay and Pinot Noir plus some Syrah. In 1999, Donald Hess was looking for someone to oversee all winemaking for The Hess Collection, and as a student I loved Cabernet, especially from the Napa Valley and it inspired me to pursue winemaking. Now, I'm literally on top of Napa, making mountain Cabernets. Mountain fruit is different from valley floor fruit - and so are the wines. They are structured, complex, rich wines, with distinctive tannins, ageability and concentrated fruit.

Country born: United States

Education: Enology and viticulture degree from Fresno State University.

Years in the wine industry: 20-30 years

Winemaking Philosophy:
I have a strong belief in making wine in the vineyard, working each site to absolutely maximize flavors. My goal is to make ripe-fruit-forward California style wines with both power and elegance.