United States · California

Stony Hill

Stony Hill is one of Napa Valley's most historically significant estates, founded in 1943 by Fred and Eleanor McCrea on steep western hillsides above St. Helena — a site so high and cool that Chardonnay retains acidity rarely found in Napa. The McCreas pioneered hillside viticulture, dry-farming their vines without irrigation for decades and developing farming practices that anticipated the modern natural wine movement. Stony Hill Chardonnay became the benchmark for restrained, age-worthy California white wine long before Chardonnay's commercial explosion transformed the state's wine identity. The estate also produces a Gewürztraminer and small amounts of Cabernet Sauvignon and Riesling. Across 269 lots, Chardonnay dominates with 85 lots and a $71 average; the ceiling of $1,016 reflects demand for old vintages in excellent condition, including bottles from the 1970s and 1980s that collectors regard as among California's most historically significant whites. The 2007 vintage anchors peak modern trading activity. Gewürztraminer at $50 from 8 lots is a living reminder of the estate's unusual early varietals program and unique hillside micro-climate. For collectors focused on California wine history, authentic hillside terroir, and age-worthy whites rather than brand prestige, Stony Hill is an indispensable and irreplaceable estate in the canon of American wine.