- Date: August 20-23, 2026
First Taste: Hensel West Wine Launch
Hensel West: A First Taste at Brush Creek Ranch
An Exclusive Winemaker Weekend with Will Phelps
Be among the first to experience the debut of Hensel West, a new Napa Valley wine label rooted in the legacy of the Phelps family. Hosted at the luxurious Brush Creek Ranch, this immersive weekend features exclusive tastings, barrel samples, and personal interactions with third-generation vintner Will Phelps.
Will’s grandfather, Joseph Phelps, was a stalwart in the wine industry and paved the way for Napa Valley to become the iconic landscape that it is today. Will had a front row seat at the table and was intimately involved in watching the evolution of Joseph build and execute his vision over 50 years. Sourcing fruit from heritage vineyards tied to Will’s father and grandfather, Hensel West launches with a Proprietary Red Wine composed of selections from multiple legacy vineyards, a Syrah from Hyde Vineyard in Napa Carneros, and a Sauvignon Blanc from Riverbound Vineyard in Yountville.
This weekend is more than a launch—it’s a bridge between generations. Will Phelps invites you to be part of the beginning of Hensel West’s journey.
Special Wine Weekend Itinerary
Schedule is subject to change.
Thursday, August 20 – Winemaker Welcome Reception
4:00 PM at the Saloon at Lodge & Spa
This inaugural tasting experience invites guests to journey through the story of Hensel West, from vine to glass. Set against the stunning backdrop of Brush Creek Ranch, this intimate gathering offers the opportunity to meet Will Phelps, the visionary mind behind the brand.
Open and inclusive for all lodging guests.
Friday, August 21 – To Be Announced Wine Tasting Experience
At Lodge & Spa
Join Will Phelps for a special activity with a Hensel West wine tasting experience. More details coming soon.
Saturday, August 22 – 5-Course Wine Pairing Dinner
6:00 PM at The Farm at Brush Creek
Celebrate the official debut of Hensel West with an extraordinary culinary experience featuring five thoughtfully curated courses of seed-to-table cuisine, expertly paired with the new labels first wines.
Guests will enjoy exclusive access to barrel samples and newly released wines, presented by Will Phelps whose vision brings this new wine to life. As each course unfolds, so does the story of Hensel West, rooted in legacy, driven by terroir, and sourced from heritage vineyards with deep family significance dating back to the 1970s.
$250 Per Person, Plus Tax & Gratuity. Limited Availability.
Meet Will Phelps
Will’s grandfather, Joseph Phelps, was a stalwart in the wine industry, setting a foundation for what is possible and paving the way for Napa Valley to become the iconic landscape that it is today. Will had a front row seat at the table and was intimately involved in watching the evolution of Joseph build and execute his vision over 50 years. He learned hard work, commitment, and loyalty from his grandfather, and takes with him those learnings into this new venture.
Over his career, Will spent fourteen years working in various capacities in the wine industry, with over a decade at Joseph Phelps holding positions in Vineyard Management, Marketing, Hospitality, and both Direct-to-Consumer and Distribution sales. Hensel West sets out to enable Will to forge his own path in the wine industry while honoring the legacy and tradition of his family and the generations of vintners that came before him.
