We make two different Chardonnays from the same vineyard - our main and Reserve Chardonnays. Patrons often ask why we do this and what the difference is between the two wines. Generally speaking, the main Chardonnay is a blend of California and French winemaking techniques that yield a bright, crisp, citrus driven wine. In comparison, the Reserve Chardonnay is all barrel fermented, goes through malolactic fermentation and is aged "sur lies". This wine is more complex with flinty aromas and a soft, round palate. Here, we dive deeper into the differences between these Chardonnays. 

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Since last year's Kincade Fire reached our hillsides, threatening the winery, vineyard and homes, we have taken many actions to prepare for future fires. Fire officials suggest two main goals for preparing for a wildfire: 1. Create “defensible space” and 2. “Harden structures”.  We took these recommendations and made several changes that we hope will help when the next wildfire comes our way. California has experienced devastating fires these past years. Five out of the six largest fires in California history occurred just this year. As the climate continues to become drier and hotter with stronger winds, we can only predict that massive fires will continue. All of us on the West Coast and in many other areas are faced with this annual challenge. Together, hopefully, we can work to make a difference.

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Decanting (pouring the wine from the bottle into another vessel, typically a decanter) is a simple, but careful process. It can be intimidating knowing when to decant a wine and when not to. Here I share three reasons for decanting a wine and hopefully they help shed some light on any confusion. Everyone's tastes and opinions are different, so my goal is to share with you what I know about decanting and aerating wines as well as the science behind it. Then it's up to you to have fun and do some experiments tasting the wine as it aerates in a decanter. 

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Often, I am asked “How long do you age your Chardonnays?” And my answer is always a bit complicated. I do say that our Chardonnays can age easily for five years from the vintage date, but wine is a personal preference. It’s like asking “do you like your steak rare or well-done”; only you know what you prefer. Wine is a bit more complicated than beef, but there are some basic tenets that you can apply and decide what you prefer. Chardonnay, when young, has a bright, lively fruit driven quality that is quite enjoyable. As it ages, the bright, crisp citrus notes become more complex and developed.  

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What does “Estate Bottled” mean and why is it so important? Winemaker Parke Hafner answers these questions on our blog. All our wines are estate bottled, so we have complete control from growing the grapes to making the wine and the final step of bottling. At Hafner Vineyard, “Estate Bottled” is key to our winemaking philosophy. Great wines begin in the vineyard, and we work hard to grow the best grapes possible. Having the vineyard right next to the winery allows for close collaboration between vineyard manager and winemaker. 

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