After 20 years of quiet persistence, DANA Estates has achieved a milestone that has captured the attention of wine connoisseurs worldwide.
The winery’s 2019 Hershey Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc earned second place in the Platinum category (98–100 points) at the prestigious 2025 Best Wines of the World (BWW) competition, ranking among the very best out of more than 5,000 white wines submitted globally.
“It is certainly an achievement to be recognized on a world stage,” said Chairman H.S. Lee, “but it also reminds us to remain humble and continue striving to do better.”
White Wine Triumph in a Red-Wine Stronghold
The accolade is particularly notable given Napa Valley’s reputation as a red-wine stronghold. Producing a world-class white wine in the region is widely considered a formidable challenge, making the recognition all the more meaningful.
DANA Estates also made a strong showing in the red-wine category, with its 2022 DANA Lotus Vineyard placing within the top 15 among entries from more than 11,000 wineries worldwide. Judges noted that although it was their first time tasting DANA’s wines, there was unanimous agreement in selecting them as award winners.
In its official commentary, BWW described DANA Estates as “the biggest surprise in the white wine category this year.”
A Journey Rooted in Vision and Patience
DANA Estates’ story began in 2005, when Lee acquired the then-modest Helms Vineyard. After a three-year renovation, the winery released its first wines in 2008, blending Western winemaking techniques with an Eastern philosophy focused on balance, elegance and generosity.
International recognition followed when renowned wine critic Robert Parker awarded perfect 100-point scores to DANA’s 2007 and 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon vintages. The winery’s reputation continued to grow as its red wines ONDA and VASO were selected as official wines for the 2011 G20 Seoul Summit and the 2012 Nuclear Security Summit in Seoul, respectively.
Lee attributes the success to “exceptional soil, healthy vines with strong roots, and perhaps a bit of good fortune.”
Exclusivity and Growing Prestige
The award-winning 2019 Hershey Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc is produced from a 1.7-acre single vineyard, with only 1,000 bottles made. Distributed exclusively through a membership program, it is not available in retail markets. The wine retails for $600 to $700 per bottle, underscoring its rarity and prestige.
Industry observers in Napa Valley note that the recent global recognition is expected to elevate DANA Estates’ brand value and visibility even further.
About DANA Estates
Founded on land with a history dating back to 1883, DANA Estates is a limited-production boutique winery located in the heart of Napa Valley. Under the leadership of Chairman H.S. Lee, General Manager Jae Chun, and Director of Winemaking Chris Cooney, the winery is guided by an uncompromising commitment to quality, sustainability, organic farming and innovation.
Its portfolio includes VASO, ONDA, and the highly sought-after DANA Single Vineyard Collection, each reflecting the distinct character of its terroir and the estate’s philosophy of craftsmanship and generosity.
