Sarah Hafner shares the inspiration behind her two new watercolors - a kestrel and quail. Originally painted for her granddaughter Marie's room, we shared those two illustrations on notepads that we included in the Fall Release of our Annual Tasting Program patrons. Watercolors can be challenging because you can’t hide your mistakes, so Sarah shares more about the difficulties with the two birds.
At Hafner Vineyard, we've had fun over the years with our wildlife camera, capturing incredible glimpses of the animals that roam our ranch. Each time we check the footage, there’s a sense of excitement, sometimes it’s beautiful wildlife, other times it’s a funny surprise or a family blooper. From a bull chasing a turkey to our fourth generation helping set the camera, these moments remind us how special it is to live closely connected to nature and to witness it in its most unguarded, everyday moments. See some of our highlights.
Many years ago, we deviated from our strict business model of “no retail other than directly from us” and elected to sell our wine to just one wine shop in the entire world, The Winery. We had been approached by the owner David Motion. He travels constantly to find small producers in Germany, France, Italy, Spain and California (I know…dream job!). My husband Bill and I visited David, and his charming wife Vera two weeks ago, met the staff, and had a delicious lunch together. If you ever find yourself in London, visiting The Winery is a treat, especially if you can go for one of their many tastings.
Curious about wine storage, aging, or serving tips? Sarah Hafner answers the top 5 wine questions she hears on our vineyard tours at Hafner Vineyard in Alexander Valley. From how long wine lasts once opened to the ideal temperature to serve it, this guide offers practical advice straight from our family-run winery. Whether you're a wine enthusiast or just starting to learn about wine, we hope you'll find useful tips to enhance your wine experience.
My grandmother, Mary Hafner, was the chef in the family. She and her sister taught French cooking classes from their kitchens in Berkeley (which is even how some of our patrons first learned about Hafner wine). She taught her children how to cook as well, so my sister and I benefited (and still benefit!) from Dad and Uncle Scott’s cooking. At home, when we prepare a meal, we are often thinking about which wine will pair with the meal. Here we share a few favorite cookbooks for meals that pair well with wine.
