There is a sense of calm that comes with enjoying a glass of wine. Wine lovers tend to get lost as they peer into the dark rich color of their favorite red or see the world differently through the inviting colors of a delicious Chardonnay. Ralph Hertelendy understands this love of wine, having had his first sip at age five. Destined to become a vintner, he has successfully cultivated and established Hertelendy Vineyards as a key player within the wine industry. As Hertelendy continues to grow, the traditional principles set by those before him have not been lost along the way.
The taste of a Hertelendy wine is a reflection of its terroir. Located in Napa Valley, the heart of wine country, Hertelendy Vineyards sits on over four acres of mountainside terrain, provided with all the natural elements necessary to craft the best quality wine. Planted in low fertility soil, the grapes take on a distinct and concentrated flavor. The rocky terrain allows for the vines to adapt, providing their wine with a signature taste. However, the most crucial factor is the soil’s rich volcanic ash. Having implemented volcanic ash in their wines since the beginning, Hertelendy Vineyards is preserving a sense of vintage in their approach.
Knowing the importance of preservation has aided in the progress that Hertelendy has made within the industry. Though launched in 2016, its first wine to debut was a 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon. Having aged for three years, this further proves Hertelendy’s dedication to quality. Depending on the type of wine, Hertelendy has set a barrel age of between nineteen to twenty-three months. Each year of bottle age allows the wine to settle. Though painstakingly slow to some, this practice alone sets Hertelendy apart. Having established a strong foundation for wine production, Hertelendy Vineyards has also made a significant impact on wine culture through its wine clubs.
Patrons start on the path of becoming members by participating in the Lux loyalty program. As they accumulate points through wine purchases, they are given a chance to reap the specific benefits of a Classic or Elite member. By opening this window of opportunity, Hertelendy offers a sip of the rewards that a formal membership with Hertelendy can provide.
The next level up is the Classic club membership. Classic membership is a wine connoisseur’s dream. Grandfathered pricing at ten percent off is just one of the perks of being a member. With access to a variety of wines, patrons get to enjoy six bottles of wine, twice a year. Making available the best that the spring and winter seasons have to offer, patrons are given the opportunity to taste wines that only members are privy to through complimentary wine tastings. As Classic members, patrons get to experience wine like never before.
Elite club membership takes the Hertelendy experience to the next—and highest—level. In addition to all the benefits of the Classic members, patrons of the Elite membership are invited to a new approach to wine. In addition to enjoying grandfathered pricing of fifteen percent savings and twice the amount of wine, Elite members are granted access to exclusive wines, crafted in small, limited quantities. Elite members are welcome to indulge in Hertelendy’s library of vintage and large format wines that are otherwise only available at charity auctions. Elite members will feel as if they have their fingers on the pulse of the wine industry.
