DONALD HESS’ PASSION FOR ART AND VINES CREATE A WORLDWIDE COLLECTION

Imagine inheriting your family beer business at the age of 20. Swiss born entrepreneur Donald Hess did just that, but soon after discovering a fresh alpine spring, he had the vision to switch focus and converted the company’s revenue from beer to mineral water. Donald Hess founded Swiss Valser Wasser, and he pioneered direct home deliveries of water in the 60’s. However, it was his first trip to Napa, and introduction to legendary winemakers that solidified his enthusiasm for the grape. Donald Hess has made the world a better place because his passions center more in art and nature than owning sports teams.

Hess purchased his first Napa Valley vineyard in 1978 and soon after acquired the old Christian Brothers property on Mount Veeder, which is now the home of Hess Collection winery, as well as part of his collection of modern art. Today, Hess Family Estates own six New World cellars and vineyards: the Hess Collection and Artezin Wines in Napa, Sequana Wines in Russian River, Glen Carlou Vineyards in South Africa; Bodega Colomé in Argentina, as well as the major share in Peter Lehmann Wines, Australia.

Donald Hess has maintained an energetic and fun approach to life, and it has much to do with his respect for artists and winemakers. Believing that contemporary art should accessible to the widest possible audience, all the Hess museums are free of charge and open to the public.

His Napa Valley collection opened in 1989 in the original winery built in 1903. The Museum at the Glen Carlou Winery outside Paarl South Africa opened in 2006, and his latest passion in Bodega Colomé, not only has an art gallery but also has a stunning hotel about a four hours’ drive from Salta, in northwest Argentina.