Hopper Creek Winery

Unpretentious winery in Napa Valley's Yountville, CA

This 8-acre property is owned by German-born Dieter Tede, who entered his family’s Hamburg ship-chandlery and export company after college. In 1954 he visited San Francisco on business and liked it so much that he moved there a few years later.

After a long and successful career in the shipping trade, Tede retired in the late 1990s.

At that point he turned his attention to something he loved—wine—and began his second career. The Tede family acquired the 8-acre Hopper Creek property in 1996, adding Cabernet Sauvignon to the already-planted Merlot vines.

Hopper Creek Winery is only a short distance south of “downtown” Yountville, yet you’ll feel as if you’ve stepped back decades in time. Before Napa Valley became such a glamorous destination, it was home to many small and completely unpretentious wineries like Hopper Creek.

The un-fancy tasting room is in the barrel room, which is haphazardly “decorated” with photos, Indian arrowheads unearthed in the vineyards, books, and wine artifacts. The atmosphere is laid back and the pours are generous. Enjoying a glass of wine on the deck while throwing a stick for the winery’s dogs to fetch, you’ll feel as if you’re visiting a friend in the country.

Fascinating Fact:

Dieter Tede’s winemaking roots in Germany date back to the 1860s.

Amenities: Wine Club; Dog-friendly (OK to bring your dog here)
Founded: 1996
Signature Wines: Chardonnay, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Zinfandel, Syrah
Wine Tasting: By appointment only
Hours: By appointment only

Hopper Creek Winery
6204 Washington St
Yountville, CA 94559
707-944-2139

office@hoppercreek.com
www.hoppercreek.com

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Suzie Rodriguez writes about travel, food, and wine from her home in the wine-country town of Sonoma, California. You can follow her travels and musings at The Culinary Gadabout.

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