Art, Soul, Business…and Wine: A Perfect Score by Craig and Kathryn Hall

Many people dream of starting a winery and producing good wine. Others dream of placing that winery in a stunning location and sharing exceptional wines in an atmosphere of breathtaking art and architecture. Craig and Kathryn Hall have done just that. Their book, A Perfect Score ($26), advanced copy sent to me for review, releases September 13, 2016. In the book, the Halls describe their journey in making HALL & WALT wines that are not only firmly established in the California wine industry, but in winemaking itself, producing two wines receiving the highly desired 100-point “perfect scores”.

Twenty years ago, this Texas based power couple, purchased their first vineyard in the Napa Valley. Kathryn, former United States Ambassador to Austria, was raised in a California winemaking family; she felt comfortable with the process and in her heart, knew that she was meant to take her place in the wine world. However, Craig, a Texan who admittedly had no experience in the wine industry (other than enjoying wine), but plenty in the business world, knew “how important owning a vineyard and making wine was to Kathryn.” The process began.

Their original idea was to “have a vineyard followed, eventually, by a winery that produced 5,000-7,000 cases of very high quality wine…Cabernet was king.” A Perfect Score relates, in Craig and Kathryn’s own words, the trials, tribulations, and finally, the successes that have made HALL wineries in both Rutherford and St. Helena a winelover’s mecca and their wines, prestigious. The original idea was supplanted by another that is magnificent.

Throughout A Perfect Score, Craig and Kathryn Hall share interesting and entertaining anecdotes about their journey. Detailed, easily understandable accounts of the nuances of winemaking at HALL, fascinating descriptions about and meanings behind the plethora of remarkable art and architecture on the grounds and in the tasting rooms, and mentions of influential conversations with movers and shakers in the wine industry will prompt any wine lover to enjoy each page. At its core is the Halls’ desire to share their passion for outstanding wine with others.

“Like wine, art speaks without saying a word. Our hope is that the winery structures, grounds, wine, and art all add layers to the experiences of our guests.” Craig and Kathryn Hall, A Perfect Score

A Perfect Score reads with authenticity and humility. This is a book that is just as much about wine, business, and art as it is about spirit and inspiration, the soul of this winemaking dream. Craig and Kathryn, philanthropists committed to the Napa Valley community and the arts, understand, appreciate, and are thankful for their presence in the Napa Valley. Upon reading this book, you’ll feel the same.

Cheers! ~ Cindy

Personal note: I met Craig and Kathryn Hall at an event in Chicago in December 2014. There, they introduced their notable wine, Song, produced exclusively for Chicago’s Lyric Opera Wine Auction 2015. In June 2016, I had the pleasure of visiting HALL in St. Helena where I tasted wines from an exceptional portfolio and viewed the outstanding art and architecture throughout the property. I am grateful to have been asked to review an advance copy of their book, A Perfect Score, by those at HALL and Center Street Books. Thank you!