One of the most consistent questions patrons ask is, “What is the best way to open an older bottle of wine?” The question is prompted by concerns about an older cork and the possibility of it breaking or disintegrating during extraction. This can happen regardless of how well the wine has been stored or the quality of the cork. We recommend, and use ourselves, an “Ah-So” or “Butler’s Friend” which is a double prong wine opener. Here we share four steps for how to open an older bottle of wine.

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Thanksgiving, perhaps more than any other holiday, is about being together with family and friends, around the table, sharing delicious food and enjoying wonderful wine. This year so many of our plans for Thanksgiving (and much else!) has been turned on its head because of the COVID pandemic. We love hearing patrons’ stories and when photographs accompanied them, it’s even better. It reminds us of what a privilege it is for us to play a small supporting role in the milestone events of our patrons’ lives.

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For almost four decades, we’ve been honored to be many patrons’ “secret winery” that they share with friends and family. Since travel and group gatherings are no longer part of our 2020 plans, and patrons aren’t able to visit us here, we decided it would be fun to bring Hafner Vineyard into people’s homes…virtually. We invite you to watch the recording of our virtual tasting where we shared some history, introduced the team, tasted a few wines and had a lively Q&A session.

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At the start of June, we asked patrons to share with us stories and photos of their Summers, knowing that this year would be different. We have been touched by the emails we received. One told of toasting a socially distanced wedding with our Chardonnay. Another shared highlights from an anniversary dinner where a 1994 Cabernet was opened. As fire evacuations reached her home, another patron sent a photo of a 2005 Cabernet she opened with friends who welcomed her family into their home. Although this Summer wasn't what most of us had planned, these stories and photos highlight the quiet evenings and milestone celebrations in the time of COVID.

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Every Summer has a story. And for this Summer, the headline might be “Pivoting &Perseverance”/ “Creativity and Comfort”. In a normal Summer, airplane travel, dinner parties with friends, large family reunions, neighborhood parades and going to the movies would all figure large. Not so in 2020. We inquired of patrons, “How did you spend this Summer, adapting to the pandemic? What brought you joy?” And we were buoyed by the responses and photos. Thank you to all who wrote and sent pictures. We shared several in August and here are more...

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