Introducing The Umstead Cuvée: A New Chapter in Our Wine Story with Hirsch Vineyards
At The Umstead Hotel and Spa, our approach to wine is rooted in storytelling and a deep connection between land and table. This philosophy came to life in a remarkable new way through our recent collaboration with Hirsch Vineyards, culminating in the creation of The Umstead Cuvée, an exclusive wine that will debut at The Umstead beginning this March.
A Partnership Rooted in Terroir and Vision
In search of a wine that would complement and elevate the nuances of his cuisine, Executive Chef Steven Devereaux Greene began exploring the possibility of creating a bespoke bottling designed specifically to pair with the culinary philosophy at Herons. This vision led to a meaningful partnership with Hirsch Vineyards, a defining voice of the West Sonoma Coast known for its commitment to organic and biodynamic farming and wines that reflect the rugged maritime climate and distinctive “earthquake terroir” of its coastal vineyard sites.
Chef Greene and Wine Director Hannah Barton traveled to the West Coast to visit Hirsch Vineyards in person, collaborating alongside Jasmine Hirsch to create a custom blend crafted specifically for The Umstead. This hands-on process allowed the team to thoughtfully shape a wine that not only expresses its origin, but aligns seamlessly with the flavors, textures, and seasonal evolution of the Herons tasting menu. The result is a cuvée that reflects both the character of the vineyard and the culinary vision behind the dining experience at Herons.
The collaboration between The Umstead and Hirsch Vineyards reflects a shared dedication to sustainability, and intentional hospitality. The Umstead Cuvée emerged as a natural extension of this alignment, bringing together the vision of our culinary and wine teams with the precision and artistry of Hirsch.
An Intimate Evening with Jasmine Hirsch at Herons
To celebrate the launch of this collaboration, Herons hosted an intimate wine dinner on Friday, February 6, welcoming just ten guests into the Private Dining Room for an unforgettable evening. Hosted by Jasmine Hirsch herself, the experience offered a rare opportunity to explore a curated selection of exceptional and back-vintage wines from Hirsch Vineyards.
Executive Chef Steven Devereaux Greene crafted a special tasting menu for the evening, designed to highlight the nuance and complexity of each wine while reflecting the seasonal philosophy that defines dining at Herons. Each course showcased the thoughtful dialogue between vineyard and kitchen, where artistry guided every pairing.
The intimate scale of the event allowed guests to engage directly with Jasmine Hirsch, gaining insight into the history of the estate, the challenges and rewards of farming along the Sonoma Coast, and the philosophy behind wines that express both place and time.
The Umstead Cuvée Arrives This March
The Umstead Cuvée marks an exciting milestone for our wine program, offering guests a unique opportunity to experience a wine crafted specifically for The Umstead. Slated to arrive in March, guests will be able to taste and purchase this exclusive bottling, further deepening the connection between our culinary experiences and the world’s most respected vineyards.
Whether enjoyed alongside Chef Greene’s tasting menu at Herons or selected as part of a special celebration, The Umstead Cuvée represents our ongoing commitment to curating meaningful, memorable experiences through wine.
A Continuing Journey Through Wine and Hospitality
From intimate winemaker dinners to curated tasting experiences led by our award-winning wine team, The Umstead continues to explore the intersection of hospitality and discovery. Collaborations like this one with Hirsch Vineyards allow us to bring guests closer to the stories behind the bottle.
We look forward to welcoming guests to experience The Umstead Cuvée this spring.
