With deep historical roots in Sonoma, Hanzell is a California wine standard. Its story begins in 1948, when Ambassador James D. Zellerbach acquired 200 acres in the Mayacamas Mountains north of the Sonoma Plaza. A 6-acre vineyard was planted in 1953, and the first vintage was released in 1957. This small plot is now the oldest Pinot Noir vineyard in the US, though the total vineyard has grown over the years to cover 42 acres today. Producing just the Burgundian varietals Chardonnay (75%) and Pinot Noir (25%), Hanzell has earned and maintained accolades for quality and longevity. Winemaker Bob Sessions created a legacy at Hanzell, continuing for almost 30 years the pioneering spirit that made it the first winery in California to use stainless steel fermenters and French oak for aging. When Sessions retired, he passed the winemaking responsibilities to Michael Terrien.

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See other similar producers: Patz & Hall, Calera Wine Company, Derbès