Inside DANA Estates’ Exclusive Wine Events: A Celebration of Connection and Craft
Nestled in the heart of Napa Valley, DANA Estates is more than just a winery; it’s a place where wine is deeply connected to history, culture, and community. For years, DANA Estates has hosted exclusive events that invite guests beyond the tasting room, offering a rare opportunity to explore the vineyards, understand the winemaking process, and, most importantly, build a lasting connection with the wines themselves.
Each event is a carefully crafted experience designed to immerse guests in the estate’s philosophy of craftsmanship and precision. From intimate vineyard tours to grand seasonal celebrations, these gatherings have become a hallmark of what makes DANA Estates unique. This spring, the winery is introducing something new. For the first time, two of its most revered wines, ONDA and VASO, will be celebrated in a single event.
Jae Chun, General Manager of DANA Estates and son-in-law of proprietor Hi Sang Lee, sees these events as an essential part of what makes the winery special. “Wine is about connection. We don’t just want people to drink our wine. We want them to understand it, to feel the story behind it,” Chun explains. “Our events give people the opportunity to experience the estate firsthand, to see where the vines grow, meet the people behind the wine, and ultimately develop a deeper appreciation for what’s in their glass.”
DANA Estates has long been known for its commitment to craftsmanship. Since its founding, the winery has embraced a philosophy that values small-lot production and precise vineyard expression. Every detail, from vineyard management to fermentation, is meticulously planned to preserve the character of the land. This philosophy extends to its events, where every experience is designed to bring guests closer to the estate’s story.
The winery is home to four vineyard sites—Helms, Hershey, Lotus, and Crystal Springs—each with its own terroir and personality. Visitors gain a firsthand look at the fermentation rooms, where small-batch techniques allow the team to capture the essence of each vineyard.
Chun emphasizes that these experiences are about more than just education. “It’s one thing to hear about a wine’s origins, but it’s another thing entirely to stand in the vineyard, to feel the soil under your feet, to taste the wine while looking at the vines that produced it. That’s when people truly connect,” she remarks.
Beyond the tours, the winery’s signature events, such as its seasonal celebrations, bring collectors and wine enthusiasts together in a shared appreciation of DANA Estates’ work. Traditionally, ONDA and VASO wines have been showcased separately. But this year, the winery is breaking tradition and blending the experiences into one.
Both wines have rich histories that reflect different aspects of DANA Estates’ identity. ONDA, which means ‘wave’ in Italian and Spanish, represents the harmony of blending. It is crafted in the Bordeaux tradition, combining fruits from all four estate vineyards to create a wine of elegance, balance, and purity. ONDA is known for its soft yet complex structure, making it a favorite among collectors who appreciate a refined, layered wine.
VASO, on the other hand, has its roots in South Korea. Originally produced in 2006 as an export exclusively for the Korean market, VASO was created as a tribute to Hi Sang Lee’s heritage. The name itself is inspired by the Moon Jar, a beloved Korean ceramic piece symbolizing unity and imperfection. The wine truly showcases the bold, structured character of Howell Mountain fruit, with deep flavors of blackberry, roasted coffee, and dark chocolate.
By presenting these two wines together, DANA Estates hopes to introduce collectors to the full range of its offerings. “A lot of our members collect both ONDA and VASO, so it just made sense to showcase them together,” Chun explains. “We want people who love ONDA to discover VASO, and vice versa. This event is to broaden the experience, letting our guests explore both wines in the most novel way possible.”
The spring event is more than just a wine tasting; it’s a celebration of the vineyard’s natural cycle. Spring marks the awakening of the vines, the beginning of a new vintage, and a fresh start for the winemaking season. Guests will not only taste ONDA and VASO side by side but will also hear directly from the winemaking team, learning about the meticulous blending and aging process that makes each wine so distinctive.
Chun sees this as an opportunity to bring people together in a meaningful way. “Wine, for us, is a living thing. It changes with time, with the seasons, and with the people who enjoy it. These events aren’t just about what’s in the glass; they’re about the people who share in the experience,” she states.
For those who have followed DANA Estates for years, this event marks an exciting new chapter. And for those discovering the winery for the first time, it’s a chance to step into a world where wine is not just a product but a story, one that continues to unfold with every sip.
