Each year as the Holidays draw near, and the cold, wet weather sneaks in, I start to anticipate the many, many Holiday gift notes sent by you with gifts of wine to friends and family across the country. And how I get to sit by the office fireplace, all cozy and warm, to write them! It is always fun to see (and write!) what people say to their friends and family.
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.
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.
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.
With the release of our 2018 Chardonnay and 2016 Next Red, we thought it would be fun to taste them virtually with patrons. Virtual talks have been a nice way to “be with you” in your home during these uncertain times. This tasting also gave us the opportunity to dive deeper into the wines and winemaking practices. You can watch the recording of our conversation here.
