"Meet the Team" is our blog series that introduces each of the Hafner Vineyard team members. We answer a series of questions about ourselves and our time at Hafner Vineyard. Fifty years ago, Mary and her husband, Dick, started Hafner Vineyard. She has taken on countless roles over the five decades, even tractor driver! Here, she shares fun stories of the evolution of the vineyard and winery.
Cooking wasn’t always easy. The first meal I made for Dick as a married couple 61 years ago was a disaster. I overcooked the lamb chops, burned the yellow squash and Dick had to teach me how to make rice. So the next night we went to my mother’s for dinner. Thankfully for my family, I’ve expanded my repertoire. Spiced Olives are one of those! They are a simple, easy hors d'oeuvre to share with family and friends.
During Spring and Summer, friends often visit and ask about our favorite day trips in Sonoma County. There are many to choose from! Sonoma County is incredibly diverse, reaching from the Mayacamas Mountains to the Pacific Ocean. I frequently suggest an excursion to the coast because it is one of our favorites.
Every Saturday morning, you’ll find me at the Healdsburg Farmers' Market.
I like to support local farmers because of the quality and the variety and because it is local. The market began in 1978 and continues to be as vibrant and lively as ever. Most of the purveyors have farms within ten miles of Healdsburg. They bring many different provisions from wild fish and locally raised meat to fresh eggs and cheese to the most abundant…seasonal vegetables and fruits.
