La Prenda Vineyards

LA PRENDA

Multi-Generational Farming in Sonoma

BY MELISSA VOGT | PHOTOS COURTESY OF LA PRENDA VINEYARDS

La Prenda was founded in 2008 by Ned Hill, second-generation grape grower and longstanding community citizen. Hill’s passion for grape growing began at an early age when he worked alongside his father in the vineyards at age nine. At the time, his father worked for lifelong family friend, Ed Durell, and it was here that the Hills began a legacy of premium grape-growing.

With grape growing in his blood, tons of hands-on experience, and formal education under his belt from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, Ned Hill was ready to start his own grape-growing business in 2008. La Prenda Vineyards Management Inc. was formed, and the family has experienced an upward ascent in reputation as one of Sonoma County’s premier grape-growing and vineyard management companies.

“My philosophy in growing grapes is to let the site do its own work,” Hill said. His longtime experience in working with vineyards in Sonoma County has allowed him to farm sustainably and let the “vines do the talking,” he stated. This terroir-driven approach has earned Hill long-term contracts with estate wineries such as Patz & Hall, Bartholomew Estate, Schug, Hanna, Roche, Bennett Valley Cellars, La Chertosa, Fifth Hill, and more. At these estates, Hill focuses on quality and oversees the entire process from grape to bottle.

In additional to the vineyards that Hill manages through La Prenda Vineyards Management Inc., the family has its own wine brand. La Prenda Wines was launched in 2013 and has been under the oversight of Winemaker Mike Cox since 2020. Cox joined La Prenda after working alongside pioneering vintner Walter Schug for 25 years. As a Sonoma native, Cox is deeply connected to the land and his background brings a degree in Enology from UC Davis. Together, Hill and Cox make a powerhouse team committed to producing the finest Sonoma County grapes and wines.

GROWER-PRODUCED WINES

As tireless grape growers, Hill and family have crafted brands with a variety of styles and price points for every palate. From fresh and zippy whites and Rosés under the Sonoma 95476 brand to the premium Bordeaux varietals from Fifth Hill and La Prenda, the wine portfolio is an impressive collection of well-crafted wines of quality and personality.

EXPERIENCE LA PRENDA

The new La Prenda tasting room is located just off the historic Sonoma Plaza, next to the ever-popular Red Grape pizzeria and pasta house. Here, guests enjoy a flight of five grower-produced wines for $20/ person, or upgrade for a Private Reserve Tasting Flight by making a reservation. The tasting room is open 11:00am – 6:00pm Wednesday through Saturday, making it a great place for after-work happy hour. Sunday through Tuesday, the tasting room is open by appointment only. Guests can enjoy a tasting as a walk-in Wednesday through Saturday.

95476 Carneros Pétillant-Naturel: This is a delightfully playful Pet-Nat made with balance and quality. It’s full of bountiful ripe strawberry and apple flavors, with lively acidity and bubbles, and pairs wonderfully with soft cheese and charcuterie. This is a go-to wine for hot afternoons and a full plate of snacks.

www.laprendawine.com