Our most recent effort in the vineyard to reduce our carbon footprint was to eliminate the use of plastic ties. We tie vines to establish the exposure of the fruit to the elements. In the past, we had used plastic ties but this year, moved to using twine. We also use a Pellenc tying machine for our cane pruned vines, which is most of the vineyard. Often in looking for solutions to reduce our carbon footprint, we discover new things. Sometimes that pushes us outside our comfort zone, but if we are open to exploring new options and being flexible, we realize that we can change and adapt for the better. At the end of the day, we want to know that we are doing all we can preserve the environment and do the right thing.

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In the past few weeks, California has experienced a series of rain storms, which has brought much needed precipitation to our dry (and thirsty!) state after years of drought. Here in Alexander Valley, the rainfall has been consistent with about one inch per day – some days heavier and some days lighter. Here is an interview with Winemaker Parke Hafner and Vineyard Manager Dave Huebel with their perspectives on the impact of the rain on our vineyards and ranch.

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With the Holidays approaching, Sarah wanted to share a few ways that we wrap wine bottles in sustainable, reusable way. As a family, we use kraft paper (even paper bags), old maps and newspaper. It is fun to get creative, finding just the right material for the gift recipient. Sarah also shares a DIY printable wrapping paper for bottles using her watercolor drawings. 

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Giving back to the community has been instilled in our family and thus in our business. That notion is thanks to my grandmother, Mary Hafner. She embraced community and devoted much of her time to others. She listed her profession not as “winery owner” but as “community volunteer”. Grandmother managed our donations program up until she was 80 years old. She then handed it off to me. We are pleased to donate to over 200 nonprofits annually, with donations valued at about $150,000. And we are deeply impressed with the difference those organizations make in the lives of hundreds of thousands of people each year.

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In 2020 when the pandemic hit, there was much uncertainty, but one thing was clear: people lost their jobs and were struggling to provide enough food for their families. At the same time, we had about 13 acres of vineyard land resting fallow before we replanted the next year. We have a longstanding family tradition of supporting a nearby food bank by donating our extra fruits and vegetables, so the empty field got us thinking…let’s plant a garden specifically to supply produce for those in need. It has now become a permanent fixture at Hafner Vineyard and yielded more than 8,800 pounds of produce for people in need. 

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