Smith & Hook
Specializing in world-class Cabernet Sauvignon, the grapes for the Smith & Hook wines are grown on three striking hillside vineyards and crafted by winemaker Adam LaZarre. This region boasts the most varied climatic conditions of any region in California. The wind and fog interact with solar radiation to slow grapes' ripening, producing up to two months longer growing season than in warmer grape growing regions. These conditions create fruit with more varietal intensity, flavor, depth and structure, and thus, exceptional wines.
Following their love of Californian wines, Nicolaus (“Nicky”) Hahn, a Swiss businessman, and his wife Gaby, came to Monterey County in the mid-1970’s and purchased two ranches on which to plant vineyards and start a winery. The Smith Ranch had been a horse ranch, while the neighboring Hook Ranch had been used for cattle. With their prime location in the Santa Lucia Highlands over-looking the Salinas Valley, these ranches-turned-vineyards presented ideal growing conditions for producing premium varietal fruit. The winery, aptly named Smith & Hook, released its first vintage in 1979 and has since received numerous awards and critical acclaim.