Hanna Winery Estate in Alexander Valley
Alexander Valley Tasting Room: 9280 Hwy 128, Healdsburg, CA 95448
Russion River Valley Tasting Room: 5353 Occidental Road, Santa Rosa, CA 95401
Website: https://www.hannawinery.com/
The beautiful Hanna estate in the Alexander Valley is worth the drive to the northern part of Sonoma. Hanna also has an alternate tasting room in the Russian River Valley. My husband and I visited the estate which is situated in a very serene location with panoramic views of rolling hills of vines. Of course we went for the wine, but I was happy enough just walking around the property and taking in the views. Hanna was recommended to me by a peer at work, and she definitely did not steer me wrong. We loved it!
Hanna Winery was started in 1985 by cardiac surgeon Dr. Elias Hanna who was looking for a way to return to his farming roots. His daughter Christina took over in 1991. Hanna is most well known for their Sauvignon Blanc. However, they offer a pretty wide selection that includes Rosé, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Bordeaux varietals blends of Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, Merlot, and Zinfandel. The winery offers various tasting experiences. We participated in the classic counter tasting which offers a classic or premium tasting of 5 wines for a very reasonable price. Other options include a veranda tasting, a wine & cheese pairing, a picnic lunch under the big oak tree, or the Hanna vineyard lunch. Guests are welcome to relax outdoors at the picnic tables even without signing up for one of the special tastings.
Hanna Estate Tasting Room
We were the first guests of the day and had the tasting room to ourselves. That’s always a great bonus of going early! Inside the tasting room was spacious. I felt it had a bit of a Spanish style with the deep gold painted walls and dark gray tiled floors. In the center of the room was a large stone fireplace. The room was well lit due to the large glass doors and arched windows all around the room. In one corner across from the fireplace was a modest tasting bar. Between the fireplace and tasting bar were a couple small tables and chairs that could seat 3-4. Our hostess Gina greeted us immediately, and it was obvious she loved her job. Who wouldn’t with the spectacular views she got to look at every day out the windows of the tasting room. She was very friendly and welcoming. The tasting was a very casual experience. Our hostess tried to gear the experience to what we liked. I can see why the Sauvignon Blanc is well received. It is light, with nice citrus and not grassy or highly acidic like some other Sauvignon Blancs can be. For the reds, I thought the Reserve Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, Red Ranch Cabernet Sauvignon, and Bismark Moon Mountain District Zinfandel were fruit forward and delicious. We got so caught up in the experience and wine that we had to rush at the end to make a reservation at our next stop. We could have spent a lot more time there otherwise.
A view of Alexander Valley from Hanna Winery’s picnic area