Edge Hill
Summary
Edge Hill is a historic boutique winery in St. Helena, Napa Valley, producing limited-quantity Cabernet Sauvignon and their signature Mixed Blacks field blend from warm, gravelly loam soils of the original 1867 estate. The meticulously restored stone cellar bridges California's winemaking past and present, with minimal-intervention winemaking that honors traditional practices while maintaining a deliberately discrete profile despite its connection to the Rudd family.
Heritage & Leadership
Edge Hill stands as one of Napa Valley's most historically significant wine estates, established in 1867 by William Scheffler. The property, located in St. Helena, holds the distinction of being one of Napa's original "ghost wineries" - historic wineries that ceased operations during Prohibition and remained dormant for decades. The original stone winery building, constructed in the 1860s, remains on the property as a testament to its pioneering role in California's wine industry.
In the early 2000s, businessman Leslie Rudd acquired the Edge Hill property and embarked on a meticulous restoration project to honor its historical significance. Rudd, who also owned Rudd Estate in Oakville, maintained separate identities for the two properties while bringing Edge Hill back to its former prominence. Following Leslie Rudd's passing in 2018, the estate continues under the stewardship of the Rudd family, maintaining its connection to both its historical roots and contemporary winemaking excellence.
Vineyards & Wines
Edge Hill's vineyards are situated in the St. Helena AVA, a region known for its gravelly loam soils and warm climate that particularly favors Bordeaux varieties. The estate focuses on small-production, site-specific wines that reflect the unique terroir of this historic property.
The flagship offering from Edge Hill is the Mixed Blacks, a field blend that pays homage to the property's heritage. This wine draws inspiration from the 19th-century practice of co-planting multiple varieties in the same vineyard block. The estate also produces Bacigalupi Chardonnay from the Russian River Valley and Cabernet Sauvignon from their St. Helena vineyards.
The original stone cellar, built in 1867, has been restored and continues to serve as a functional winemaking facility, bridging Edge Hill's historical significance with contemporary production methods.
Philosophy & Practice
Edge Hill's winemaking philosophy centers on preserving and honoring the property's historical significance while employing modern techniques to produce wines of distinction. The restoration of the original stone winery building reflects this commitment to historical preservation, creating a link between Napa's pioneering winemaking era and current practices.
The production approach emphasizes minimal intervention, allowing the vineyard characteristics to express themselves in the finished wines. Small lot fermentations enable careful attention to each vineyard block, with aging programs tailored to each wine's specific needs.
The Mixed Blacks program particularly exemplifies Edge Hill's philosophy, reviving the historical practice of field blends while applying contemporary understanding of how different varieties complement each other. This balance between historical reverence and modern winemaking knowledge defines Edge Hill's approach to their limited production wines.