Hagafen Cellars

In 1995, President Bill Clinton had dinner with some of the most powerful and influential men on the planet. Gathered around the table were vice-president Al Gore, Israeli prime minister Rabin, Israeli foreign minister Peres, Yassar Arafat, King Hussein of Jordan, and President Muburak of Egypt. As these men discussed crucial world affairs, they sipped Hagafen Cellars 1991 Chardonnay Reserve. Hagafen Cellars wines have been served at fourteen White House state dinners. President Ronald Reagan began serving Hagafen wines to foreign dignitaries in 1981, and the tradition continues today in the George W. Bush administration.

Located in Napa Valley, the heart of California’s premier wine grape region, Hagafen Cellars is owned and operated by Ernie and Irit Weir. Hagafen Cellars was founded in 1979 and released it first commercial vintage in 1980. Though Hagafen Cellars began as a small winery as a partnership with a single vineyard, it has blossomed into a well-established wine company with distribution across the United States and throughout the world. The winery currently produces 8,000 cases of premium table wines each year.

Ernie Weir’s involvement in the both grape growing and winemaking ensures the superb quality of each Hagafen wine. Ernie believes that fine wine starts with superb fruit. He takes maximum advantage of Napa Valley’s natural geology and climate to produce the highest caliber of premium wine grape varietals. He takes special care to interfere as little as possible with the soil, minimizing the impact of the chemicals and erosion usually produced by modern farming techniques.

Winemaking presents a challenge every year because the harvest is always different. But Ernie loves his job, as you can tell from the wines he makes. He and his wife Irit are proud of their success and honored to produce wines according to Jewish dietary laws. Yes, that is correct, every one of these award winning wines is Kosher.

Hagafen Cellars offers the classic French premium varietals of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Syrah, Sauvignon Blanc, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. The winery also creates a sparkling wine, Brut Cuvée and an off-dry White Riesling. These amazing wines have competed successfully at wine competitions and blind tastings. In fact, the winery has won over 200 gold and silver medals, including the coveted Double Gold. Hagafen Cellars has also been featured in Wine Enthusiast and Wine and Spirits magazines.