It all began with a passion for wine. The Hestan brand initially became known through the labels of Napa Valley wines crafted by the acclaimed winemaker Thomas Rivers Brown. Named after its founders Helen and Stanley Cheng, the Hestan brand quickly became synonymous with exceptional wine quality. In recent years, Hestan has extended its reputation to the culinary world, becoming a trailblazer in cookware for both commercial and home kitchens. Renowned chefs in America like Thomas Keller, a Hestan brand ambassador, have embraced the quality and innovation that Hestan Culinary offers.
Thomas Keller, a seven Michelin-starred chef, prominently features Hestan cookware in his esteemed restaurants such as The French Laundry, Bouchon Bistro, and Per Se. Working closely with Stanley Cheng, an engineer by profession, Keller contributed to the performance and design of Hestan Commercial appliances, now widely used in over 1,000 restaurant kitchens nationwide as well as prestigious institutions like the Culinary Institute of America and The White House.
Collaborating with Cheng, Keller helped create a customized line of cookware called Thomas Keller Insignia, which boasts features like vented universal lids and sealed stainless steel rims. Cheng, the Chairman and CEO of Meyer Corporation, the parent company of Hestan, is recognized for his innovative cookware designs, including the popular Circulon and Anolon lines blending non-stick surfaces with hard-anodized aluminum.
Besides his successful ventures in culinary tools, Cheng also owns Hestan Vineyards, a beautiful estate in Napa Valley producing exceptional wines under various labels like Hestan, Meyer, Stephanie, and Vincent Christopher. These wines, crafted by renowned winemaker Thomas Rivers Brown and vintner Jeff Gaffner, have received numerous accolades from esteemed sources like Wine Spectator.
At the Hestan tasting room in Yountville, wine enthusiasts can savor these award-winning wines within the proximity of Keller’s renowned restaurants. Cheng’s commitment to excellence extended to Hestan’s cookware craftsmanship, with factories in Italy producing high-quality pieces bearing the mark ‘Made in Italy.’
Hestan’s cookware collections, including NanoBond and CopperBond lines, have garnered praise and recognition, receiving awards like the Red Dot Design Award and the Good Design Award. The brand’s dedication to innovation has led to the development of Hestan Outdoor and Hestan Indoor product lines, offering a range of premium kitchen appliances designed for exceptional performance.
Celebrity chefs like Tyler Florence also endorse Hestan, recognizing its superior quality and performance in professional and home kitchens. Florence, like Keller, appreciates the precision and craftsmanship that Hestan brings to culinary tools, making it a top choice for chefs seeking excellence in their cooking experience.
Image Source: Just Luxe
