Pruning is arguably the most important job in the vineyard. Not only does it take many months but with each cut, the crew is determining the potential crop load as well as overall vine structure for the years to come. In a video in this blog, vineyard manager, David Huebel, takes us into the vineyard showing the steps of pruning and Gerardo (a 38 year Hafner Vineyard veteran) gives a play-by-play while he prunes.
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.
We make two different Chardonnays from the same vineyard - our main and Reserve Chardonnays. Patrons often ask why we do this and what the difference is between the two wines. Generally speaking, the main Chardonnay is a blend of California and French winemaking techniques that yield a bright, crisp, citrus driven wine. In comparison, the Reserve Chardonnay is all barrel fermented, goes through malolactic fermentation and is aged "sur lies". This wine is more complex with flinty aromas and a soft, round palate. Here, we dive deeper into the differences between these Chardonnays.
Harvest is always a fun and exciting time of year when a lot happens. It’s the culmination of a year’s work for the vineyard team and the start to a new vintage for the cellar team. During the Cabernet Sauvignon Harvest of 2020, we wanted to take you behind the scenes here at Hafner Vineyard to share with you that excitement. Check out this film to get an authentic look at the Harvest.
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.
