The Signature Style of Paul Hobbs Wines

Paul Hobbs is an icon. Renowned for his meticulous attention to detail and unwavering commitment to quality, Hobbs captivates wine enthusiasts from around the world. It’s not just about crafting a bottle of wine; it’s about capturing the spirit of the vineyard and allowing each bottle to tell its own unique story. In this exclusive interview Paul Hobbs talks about the importance of wine and connection; the rise of extraordinary Pinot Noir from New World regions; and what travelers can look forward to when visiting Katherine Lindsay Estate, home to Paul Hobbs Winery in Sonoma County. 

How would you describe the signature style of Paul Hobbs wines?

Paul Hobbs: Each wine that we craft should speak to the place. Our goal is to be true to type—true to the varietal—without overworking the wine or overwhelming it with excessive elements. We seek harmony, balance, and a sense of energy and tension throughout the structure of the wine.

For example, in southeast Napa—say, Coombsville—there are distinct regional signatures. Even within Coombsville, our specific vineyard site, Nathan Coombs Estate, has its own character, different from neighboring plots. If we move up the valley to Oakville or St. Helena, the differences become even more pronounced.

We see this clearly in our own estate and grower vineyards. Across the three renowned Napa Valley Beckstoffer sites, for example, each produces wines that are distinctive enough that, with a bit of tasting experience, you can reliably identify them in a blind tasting—regardless of vintage.

What inspired you to introduce HOBBS Pinot Noir as the newest addition to your portfolio of cult wines?

Paul Hobbs: I still don’t think Pinot Noir from the New World—or more broadly, anywhere outside of Burgundy—receives the respect it deserves. Admittedly, we’re still relatively new in terms of history, but that shouldn’t diminish the value of what we’re producing. If you’re a true explorer or adventurer, discovering something exceptional—no matter where it’s found—should be celebrated. A diamond is a diamond, whether it’s unearthed in Africa or Nevada. It’s the quality of the gem that matters.

That’s what we’re pursuing: wines of true distinction, and the recognition that comes with consistently producing quality. Of course, wine is more than just what’s in the bottle, but blind tastings often reveal what we already know—excellence stands on its own. And no, the goal isn’t to replicate Burgundy. That would strip away the uniqueness and beauty of regional expression. Great Pinot Noir from the New World should be celebrated for its own character, not judged by its resemblance to Burgundy.

Achieving that level of wine requires serious, long-term commitment, farming, investing, and refining over decades. It’s a labor of love, but also one worthy of the same appreciation we give to fine art or rare gems. That pursuit is at the heart of why HOBBS was created.

Wine is as much about the story as it is about the taste. How do you want your wines to resonate?

Paul Hobbs: Wine has always been deeply intertwined with human experience, especially in intimate settings—around the table with family, friends, and loved ones. It’s often present during meaningful moments, anchoring the memories we carry. And those moments are shaped by storytelling—sharing memories, laughter, and reflections. That’s where connection is built.
Wine and story work hand in hand. What’s in the glass becomes the center of that conversation. When the wine is beautiful, it enhances the experience. Even when it’s not, it can still spark meaningful dialogue. Either way, it invites connection.

That’s why we aim to bring people as close as possible to the process. It’s what we just did with our recent guests at our Estate—and what impressed me most was their genuine curiosity. They were fully engaged in the vineyard. That kind of hunger for understanding is something I relate to deeply. When I’m passionate about something, I want to get on the floor, lift the hood, and see how it all works. That instinct to explore—to understand—is a powerful part of what makes us human.

What can people look forward to when visiting Paul Hobbs Winery in Sonoma County? 

Paul Hobbs: At the heart of our Katherine Lindsay Estate, where craftsmanship and care come together in every bottle, our team warmly welcomes visitors to explore and savor the stories behind each wine.

Our celebrated estate and trusted grower-partner vineyards sit atop a variety of renowned soils and gentle slopes—each lending unique character and lasting quality to our wines.

Guests can begin with an introductory seated tasting of four select signature wines, paired with house-made dips, flatbreads, and fresh vegetables harvested from our estate garden. For a deeper experience, enjoy a relaxed, seated tasting of six meticulously crafted, limited-edition Vineyard Designate Collection wines, thoughtfully paired with seasonally inspired culinary dishes.

Our tasting experiences celebrate hospitality, heartfelt connection, and the joy found in sharing something meaningful. Wine can open a moment, and what you do with that opening matters.
The goal is genuine, down-to-earth hospitality, delivered with sincerity. Our team members aren’t just following protocols—they’re engaged, passionate, and constantly learning. That’s the essence of what we do: creating exceptional service through a culture rooted in care and connection.