A glimpse into the allure of Sonoma County wine country, as experienced through the exquisite Hanna Winery California Wine Pairing Dinner held in Portland, Oregon.
Sonoma, California, a region renowned for its undulating vineyard-covered hills and profound valleys, boasts a remarkable diversity in temperature and soil conditions, resulting in an exceptionally wide array of wines. The unique terroir of Sonoma contributes to the distinctive character of each wine produced.
At the heart of Sonoma wine country lie several distinct valleys, each contributing its own unique characteristics to the wines produced: the Alexander Valley, known for its robust Cabernet Sauvignon; the Sonoma Valley, rich in history and diverse varietals; and the Russian River Valley, famed for its Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. For over four decades, Hanna Winery and Vineyard has called this picturesque region home, diligently crafting wines that beautifully exemplify the essence of each of these valleys.
Discovering Hanna Winery and Vineyard
The story of Hanna Winery and Vineyard begins in 1985, when Dr. Elias Hanna, much to the surprise of his family, acquired 12 acres of land in the esteemed Russian River Valley. This marked the beginning of a family legacy in winemaking.
Today, the family-owned and operated Hanna Winery and Vineyard proudly manages 600 acres of land, with 230 acres dedicated to planted vineyards across the Russian River Valley, Alexander Valley, and Sonoma Valley. This strategic distribution allows them to harness the unique qualities of each region, producing a diverse range of wines.
Dr. Hanna’s daughter, Christine, played an integral role in the winery’s development from an early age, planting and nurturing the young vines alongside her father. After completing her college education, she returned to the family business to work alongside her father, initially in public relations and marketing. In 1993, she took over management responsibilities and currently serves as the President and Owner of Hanna Winery and Vineyard, continuing the family’s commitment to quality and innovation.
Exploring the Wines of Hanna Winery
Hanna Winery and Vineyard boasts a well-rounded portfolio of wines, carefully crafted to showcase the best of Sonoma County. Their current selections include Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir, Merlot, Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon, and a delightful rosé. Each wine reflects the unique characteristics of the vineyard from which it originates.
One standout offering is their 2016 rosé wine ($22), crafted primarily with Malbec grapes rather than the more traditional Pinot Noir. This distinctive blend imparts a beautiful salmon berry color and a beautifully layered taste, making it a refreshing and complex choice for any occasion. The use of Malbec adds depth and complexity to the rosé, setting it apart from others on the market.
Recently, I had the distinct pleasure of sampling their wines and meeting Christine Hanna herself during the Hanna Winery California Wine Pairing Dinner held in Portland, Oregon. This provided a unique opportunity to learn about the wines firsthand and gain insights into the Hanna family’s winemaking philosophy.
An Exquisite Wine Pairing Dinner Experience
The intimate gathering was hosted at Plaza del Toro, one of my favorite food- and wine-focused event spaces in the city. The restaurant’s ambiance perfectly complemented the sophisticated nature of the wine pairing dinner, creating a memorable experience for all attendees.
Beyond the exceptional wines, we had the distinct privilege of hearing Christine Hanna share the captivating story of her family’s wine business. Growing up on the farm, with unparalleled access to fresh, seasonal produce, she has masterfully created numerous recipes that harmonize beautifully with Hanna wines. Her passion for food and wine is evident in every dish and pairing.
Christine Hanna and Plaza del Toro collaborated seamlessly to pair Hanna wines with dishes that artfully combined Pacific Northwest ingredients with Sonoma County flair. The result was a culinary journey that celebrated the best of both regions, highlighting the versatility and compatibility of Hanna wines with a wide range of flavors.
Here’s a glimpse into some of the delectable dishes we savored during this extraordinary dinner. May they serve as inspiration the next time you seek to pair wines from Sonoma County with your own culinary creations!
The Star-Studded Wine Lineup
Our inaugural wine pairing was the 2016 Hanna Sauvignon Blanc ($19) from the Russian River Valley. Notably, this is the sole Hanna Winery white wine that forgoes oak aging, allowing its pure fruit flavors to shine through. This decision contributes to its crisp and refreshing character.
The Sauvignon Blanc boasts a delightful bright lemony flavor and a clean finish, making it an ideal companion to light summer salads. It paired exquisitely with the Dungeness Crab & Fennel Salad, featuring bitter greens, red onion, and a Meyer lemon vinaigrette, which we enjoyed during the dinner. The wine’s acidity cut through the richness of the crab, creating a harmonious balance of flavors.
Next, we savored the 2015 Hanna Chardonnay from the Russian River Valley. This is a quintessential California Chardonnay: bold, buttery, and oaky, showcasing the classic characteristics that have made California Chardonnay famous worldwide. The wine’s richness and complexity made it a perfect match for the next course.
The Chardonnay harmonized beautifully with a summer pasta dish, specifically the Cacio e Pepe pasta adorned with English peas, pea tendrils, fava beans, and baby carrots, which served as our second course. The wine’s creamy texture complemented the richness of the cheese and the freshness of the vegetables, creating a delightful culinary experience.
Moving on to the reds, we had the pleasure of indulging in both the 2013 Hanna Bismark Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon from Sonoma Valley and the 2014 Hanna Cabernet Sauvignon ($44) from the Alexander Valley. These Cabernet Sauvignons represent the pinnacle of Hanna Winery’s red wine production.
Both wines are incredibly layered and nuanced, offering a complex tapestry of flavors and aromas. I particularly enjoyed discerning the subtle differences between vintages and vineyards, showcasing the impact of terroir on the final product. The 2014 Hanna Cabernet Sauvignon is bursting with blackberry, cola, and black cherry flavors, complemented by soft vanilla notes. The Bismark Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon possesses a richer, earthier cassis flavor and a big, smooth finish. The distinct characteristics of each wine reflect the unique growing conditions of their respective vineyards.
Both are full-bodied reds that pair exceptionally well with equally rich meat dishes. I found them both to be delightful companions to the Open Fire Grilled Tomahawk Ribeye Steak served at this dinner. The wines’ tannins and complex flavors cut through the richness of the steak, creating a truly unforgettable culinary experience. These wines are ideal for special occasions or for those who appreciate the finer things in life.
“The Winemaker Cooks”: A Culinary Journey
These meticulously crafted wine and food pairings underscore Christine Hanna’s expertise in both the vineyard and the kitchen. Her cookbook, The Winemaker Cooks, features over 100 recipes alongside personal anecdotes and valuable cooking and wine pairing tips. I’ve only just begun to explore its pages and am captivated by the stunning photography and have already bookmarked several recipes that I’m eager to try! This cookbook is a must-have for any wine enthusiast or home cook looking to elevate their culinary experiences.
Plan Your Visit to Hanna Winery
Hanna Winery and Vineyard welcomes visitors to its two tasting rooms: one located in Alexander Valley and the other in the Russian River Valley. Each tasting room offers a unique experience, allowing guests to sample a variety of Hanna wines and learn about the winery’s history and winemaking philosophy.
Alexander Valley Tasting Room
9280 HWY 128
Healdsburg, CA 95448
707.431.4310
Open Daily: 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
Russian River Valley Tasting Room
5353 Occidental Road
Santa Rosa, CA 95401
707.575.3371
Open Daily: 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
* limited experiences available*
Have you had the pleasure of experiencing wines from Sonoma California? Do you have any wine pairing questions that you’d love to have answered? Share your thoughts and questions in the comments below!
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Disclaimer: Many thanks to Hanna Winery and Vineyard for extending an invitation to this complimentary media Hanna Winery California wine pairing event. As always, all opinions expressed and photographs presented are my own. This article may also contain affiliate links.