When we released our 2019 Chardonnay and 2017 Next Red, we invited patrons to join us for a virtual tasting of these two wines as well as a few Library vintages. We tasted the wines and looked at how the wines age and develop over time. We also shared how Winemaker Parke Hafner determines when to harvest and some scenes from our Chardonnay Harvest. We hope you enjoy the recording.
At the beginning of June, we hosted “Summer Session”, our Friday evening series of virtual tastings focused on Cabernet, Chardonnay and Malbec. These “classes” were a fun way to explore our wines, their aromas and flavors, how they are made and more with patrons near and far. Each tasting was an hour. Scott Hafner welcomed patrons and introduced them to the HV Team. Winemaker Parke Hafner and his wife Sarah (the best palate in the house) tasted through the wines, and we shared some fun videos to help take people behind the scenes here at Hafner Vineyard. We closed the session with a lively Q&A that I hosted where patrons were able to grill Uncle Scott and Dad/Parke about all things wine. Watch the recordings here.
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.
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.
