| Region of production: | Spring Mountain AVA in Napa County |
| Winery Location: | St. Helena |
| Year Established: | 1943 |
Vineyard Holdings
18.5 ha in a series of vineyards in the Spring Mountain AVA from 700-1200 feet of elevation.
- 10.8 ha Chardonnay
- 2.5 ha Riesling
- 2 ha Cabernet Sauvignon
- 1.3 ha of Gewurztraminer
- 1 ha Pinot Blanc
- 1 ha Semillon
- 0.2 ha Syrah
Top Wines Produced & Inaugural Vintages
- Chardonnay (Spring Mountain AVA): 1952
Average Total Production
- 42,000 bottles
Summary
Fred and Eleanor McCrea purchased 160 acres on the northeast slope of Spring Mountain in 1943. Their intention from the start was to attempt to replicate White Burgundy, and they began planting Chardonnay in 1947. The first wines were produced in 1952. In 1977, former vineyard foreman and later winemaker, Mike Chelini, assumed full responsibility for vineyard and winery operations and continues as winemaker today. The founder’s son, Peter McCrea, took over ownership of Stony Hill when his mother passed away in 1991. In 2018, Long Meadow Ranch purchased Stony Hill, acquiring majority stake in the property, brand, and inventory.
Style & Vinification Techniques
Stony Hill’s winemaking style aims to minimize the intensity of mountain fruit and maintain a balance of acidity in the Chardonnay. Techniques include minimal skin contact, fermentation in neutral oak, and racking the wine completely off the lees. Wines are aged in neutral oak and do not go through malolactic fermentation.
Producer Website: Stony Hill