After 44 harvests at Hafner Vineyard, longtime employee Gerardo Lopez has retired. Gerardo was a master tractor driver and a cornerstone of the vineyard's operations. Part of the Lopez family legacy at the winery, which has seen at least one of six brothers on staff since our founding, Gerardo was known for his precision with harvest machinery, his diligence in land cultivation, and his infectious laughter. While he is stepping back from full-time work, he will continue to assist the team seasonally. We are deeply grateful for all Gerardo has done to make each vintage a success.

Read More...

We are always looking for ways to reduce our carbon footprint, so this year, we tried something new: we chipped the vines when removing a block of vineyard instead of burning them. The idea is simple: by chipping and incorporating the material back into the soil, we sequester the carbon in the ground instead of releasing it into the atmosphere.  We’re hoping it’ll have long-term benefits for the vineyard and for the climate.

Read More...

We’ve been doing some things in the vineyard that I’m very excited about in our continuing efforts to reduce our carbon footprint. Our biggest investment is an all-electric tractor made by Monarch. The first job for the Monarch was one that I was not anticipating. We converted a block of cordon pruned vines to cane pruned and needed power in the vineyard, so the electric tractor acted as a generator.

Read More...

Pruning is the longest and most tedious job in the vineyard. There are roughly 95,300 vines across our 96 acres of vineyards that need to be pruned every year. Each vine requires multiple cuts, and every cut made is done with intension, thought and care. We are grateful to have a veteran team, many who have been with us for decades and across multiple generations. Come meet the dedicated and knowledgeable people who help make consistently high quality wines for you. 

Read More...

This growing season in Alexander Valley and all over Sonoma County has been a bit unique. That's what makes farming fun and interesting... no two years are the same. Vineyard Manager, David Huebel, gives an update on the grapes and shares his harvest predictions for vintage 2023. The headline: "It has been late and will continue to be late."

Read More...