First Taste: Hensel West Wine Launch

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 and Ashley Hepworth, the visionary minds 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 and Ashley Hepworth 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 and Ashley Hepworth, whose shared vision and craftsmanship bring 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.

 

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.

 

With over two decades of winemaking expertise, Ashley Hepworth brings a legacy of excellence and an uncompromising commitment to quality to Hensel West. Widely regarded as one of the premier winemakers in the world, Ashley spent fifteen years as the head winemaker at Joseph Phelps Vineyards, where she oversaw the production of its iconic Napa Valley portfolio—including the flagship Insignia, the single-vineyard Backus Cabernet Sauvignon, and a range of acclaimed estate wines. Ashley’s winemaking philosophy is rooted in simplicity and precision: start with exceptional fruit, honor the terroir, and craft wines that express purity, balance, and vintage character. Her approach is deeply intuitive, shaped by years of hands-on experience and a profound respect for the land.

Having worked closely with Joe Phelps until his passing in 2015, Ashley carries forward his vision with integrity and care. Her deep ties to the Napa Valley community and her steadfast dedication to excellence make her an ideal partner for Will Phelps in launching Hensel West. Together, they share a mission to create wines of time and place—wines that honor the past while forging a bold new path forward. In Will’s words, “There is no winemaker I admire more than Ashley. Her commitment to craft, her integrity, and her heart for this valley are unmatched.”