The Hahn Family Wines Blog

2011-06-21T16:33:00.000-07:00

There are very few things that are as refreshing as a glass of Sauvignon Blanc. The best of them have an unrestrained vibrancy that can invigorate the weariest taster or the dreariest get-together. For us, it is virtually impossible to throw a summer barbeque without a few bottles of SB and a bucket of ice. If you have ever tried to throw a party with only Riesling then you know this first hand.

This would be grueling without SB

The Sauvignon Blancs that we make tend towards aromas reminiscent of grapefruit and wheatgrass while across the world, vintners make variations that are dead-ringers for Chardonnay, smell exactly like gooseberry or taste like wet granite(which is much more pleasant than actually eating a rock). At the same time, Sauvignon Blanc is one of the world’s great food wines and comfortably accompanies fare ranging from tart goat cheeses to grilled salmon and green chili quesadillas. For all its variation, when you open a bottle, by corkscrew or screwcap, it is always deliciously unmistakable as Sauvignon Blanc.

Sugar brined, Cold Smoked Salmon. Our Chef does this all the time.

This Friday, we will be celebrating this wonderful, whimsical grape at the 1^st annual Sauvignon Blanc Day along with several of our fellow aficionados. Starting at 2:30 p.m. PDT, we will be sharing our 2009 Bin 36 Sauvignon Blanc and our 2010 Huntington Sauvignon Blanc, both of which hail from the rugged Dry Creek Valley and are beautiful examples of this grape’s diverse and expressive character. Grab a bottle and join us on Twitter; just add #SauvBlanc to your posts and tweet along with us.

What's your favorite Sauvignon Blanc?

Banned in 'Bama but loved in #Lodi

2011-06-11T13:48:00.001-07:00

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The lineup

2011-06-11T12:52:00.001-07:00

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Untitled

2011-06-11T12:18:00.001-07:00

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#Foodtrucks

2011-06-11T10:43:00.001-07:00

The first truck has arrived. Come on down to @gladiatorwine for the grand opening. Something tells me lodi will never be the same again. Sent from my iPhone

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Come on down and see us in #Lodi

2011-05-29T15:38:00.001-07:00

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First taste in @gladiatorwine visitor center

2011-05-27T14:19:00.001-07:00

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All-a-Twitter

2011-05-24T14:08:00.000-07:00

We excited to announce that tonight the folks at Hahn and BIN 36 Wine Director Brian Duncan will be hosting a tweet-up at Twitter HQ in San Francisco. We are going to be tasting and sharing an amazing selection of BIN 36 wines, then condensing our ecstatic reactions into 140 characters.

If you haven’t made it to BIN 36, Brian’s restaurant and wine bar in Chicago, it may be time to plan a visit. Along with proprietor Dan Sachs and Executive Chef John Caputo, Brian has built BIN 36 into one of the most dynamic and entertaining gastronomic experiences in Chicago. Brian partnered with Hahn Estates to create fun, high quality wines under the BIN 36 label. Tonight we will be starting off with the BIN 36 Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay followed up by BIN 36 Pinot Noir and Merlot.

Because great wines demands good food, our friends at Pacific Catch will be providing delectable bites for all the hungry tweeters. Professional Wine Blogger and Record Spinner Dr. Xeno will be on hand emceeing the music for the evening keeping the party going until all our bottles are empty.

We will start popping corks at 6:00 Pacific Daylight Time in San Francisco but we have tweeters chiming in from Chicago, New York and Atlanta. Join us and follow along by using this hashtag:#BIN36HQ .

At the finish line of NCAC AIDS ride

2011-05-15T12:21:00.001-07:00

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Sorbetto in an ice swan at Sardines factory

2011-05-11T20:47:00.000-07:00

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Now tell me about the Santa Lucia Highlands...#wine

2011-05-11T13:48:00.000-07:00

Andy Mitchell tells a group about the history of SLH.

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Hey. I know those wines!

2011-04-29T19:42:00.001-07:00

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Dinner is served.

2011-04-29T19:30:00.001-07:00

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Lunch with River Ranch Farms. Heritage lettuce blend three ways. Thanks Chef Brian.

2011-04-21T13:35:00.001-07:00

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It's a great day for tasting Pinot Noir

2011-04-21T11:12:00.001-07:00

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foursquare Meetup - San Francisco, CA | Apr 16, 2011 - Meetup

2011-04-11T09:50:00.001-07:00

Please help victims of the recent #earthquake and #tsunami

http://www.meetup.com/foursquare/San-Francisco-CA/88022/?a=bd6_l1

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Our new Hahn winery package: why change?

2011-03-11T16:25:00.001-08:00

Over the last couple of months we’ve begun to roll out new packaging for our Hahn winery label. And today we just wrapped up bottling of the last wine in the series, our 2009 chardonnay. We’re really excited about the new look, as it looks really snappy and reflects our corporate branding.

But many folks have asked, “Why the change?”

So we thought we should give a little backgrounder on the thinking going in to the evolution of the package and what it represents to the Hahn family, the winery and to you the consumer. Because it really is more than just a package change. It represents ten years of hard work behind the scenes in the vineyard, at the winery and in the tasting room to make Hahn the best of what the Santa Lucia Highlands, Monterey County and the Central Coast have to offer. Really.

Hahn Winery has long produced quality wines from California’s Monterey and Central Coast appellations. Over the past ten years, we’ve upgraded the plantings in all of our vineyards, implemented sustainable vineyard practices and embraced the latest technology in the winery. Our ultimate goal? To make increasingly great wines to fill your cellar.

Today, the proof is in the bottle. These are the same, delicious wines from Hahn Winery that you have come to know and appreciate. This new elegant, fresh and contemporary wine label reflects the culmination of a decade of advances that have resulted in truly outstanding wines and have made Hahn SLH Estate Winery the best winery on the Central Coast of California.

While many things have changed at our vineyard estate since its first vintage in 1980, many things remain the same. And this continuity is proudly represented on the new package. Most notably is the fact that Hahn winery still, and always will be family owned. Hence the addition of Nicky Hahn’s signature.

Nicolaus (“Nicky”) and Gaby Hahn purchased two neighboring Monterey County horse and cattle ranches that had been converted to vineyard property (Smith and Hook) in the mid -1970s. Nicky and Gaby have been visionaries in the development of the wine business in Monterey County and are responsible for the establishment of the Santa Lucia highlands appellation, now considered one home of the finest examples of pinot noir in all of the US. Carrying on the family tradition, their children, Philip Hahn and Dr. Caroline Hahn are integrally involved in the winery.

The Hahn rooster continues to adorn the label, though in a new modern and iconic format. It will adorn all of the Hahn Winery, as well as Hahn SLH Estate wines, and is the image of our parent company, Hahn Family Wines. The rooster has been part of the Hahn family crest for hundreds of years and the new label continues this tradition. The new rooster image hints at the generational change taking place as well as the progressive, innovative thinking that is the hallmark of the Hahn Family’s philosophy.

In the spirit of our founder and owner Nicky Hahn’s pioneering spirit, the Hahn SLH Estate Winery continues to lead the way in winery technology, vineyard management and sustainability, and is the first winery certified in the Monterey Bay Green business program. Soon we will have the first fully integrated culinary program in our appellation, complete with a winery chef, demonstration kitchen and event facility. (If you look in the background behind the bottle line up you can even see the floor plan for the new event facility…)

We’d love to hear what you think. And when you see the it on the shelf we’d love to see your pictures.

See you all soon at the winery!

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Bud break in #SLH It's time for #wine

2011-03-10T08:10:00.001-08:00

Pinot noir in Smith Vineyard. Spring has sprung!

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Dinner is served.

2011-02-26T07:26:00.001-08:00

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Moussaka

2011-02-25T20:58:00.001-08:00

Sorry we don't have smell o vision! But as our boy Guy would say...off the hook!

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This is what happens when they like your #wine in #Texas

2011-02-15T09:29:00.001-08:00

The latest silverware from the Houston Rodeo. Reserve Class Champion belt buckles for Hahn GSM and Cycles Gladiator Pinot Grigio. How do you spell heeee- yaaaaa?

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View of the #GoldenGate Bridge.

2011-02-11T07:19:00.003-08:00

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Sunrise on San Francisco Bay.

2011-02-11T07:19:00.001-08:00

Something tells us its going to be a great day!

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Sign of the times...

2011-02-09T11:55:00.001-08:00

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Super Bowl Seafood

2011-02-06T18:14:00.001-08:00

Oysters Rockefeller and Oysters Mobile. Via one of our favorite chefs, #FrankStitt of #Birmingham and Highland Bar and Grill.

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What's for dinner?

2011-01-30T20:29:00.001-08:00

Roasted Branzino with Mediterranean flair...what would you pair with...

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Course Two: Clams

2011-01-30T14:38:00.001-08:00

Steamed with Huntington chardonnay, onion, garlic, tomato, parsley and Spicy Italian sausage.

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Sardines!

2011-01-30T13:16:00.001-08:00

On grilled crostini, spinach pesto and currants. Sounds odd. But oh so delicious!

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Fresh Roasted Tomales Bay Oysters.

2011-01-29T15:06:00.001-08:00

With lemon thyme compound butter. Mmmmm.

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View from Blogger's Block

2011-01-25T14:57:00.001-08:00

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Al fresco VIP set up for lunch

2011-01-25T11:52:00.001-08:00

This could be you...

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Greg with some new toys.

2011-01-25T10:33:00.001-08:00

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It's a great day to go Wine tasting.

2011-01-17T09:46:00.001-08:00

Come on down to the winery and taste our new release SLH Estate Pinot Noir. We're here till 4:00.

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Hmmm. Which one is lucienne

2011-01-12T17:59:00.001-08:00

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Fresh Dungeness Crab Cakes

2010-12-28T20:06:00.001-08:00

Straight out of the oven. Hmmm, Pinot Gris, or Chardonnay?

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The lineup at our holiday open house....

2010-12-22T14:41:00.001-08:00

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A Gorgeous November Day in the Santa Lucia Highlands

2010-11-14T10:13:00.001-08:00

The chardonnay and pinot noir vines are showing their Fall colors in Smith Vineyard at the winery. Please come visit us today as we wrap up the Great Wine Escape Weekend in Monterey County.

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Today's Lesson from our Friends at Tactical Avian Predators

2010-10-04T15:13:00.000-07:00

Yet another wonder of nature.

Why We Use Falcons

2010-09-20T11:01:00.000-07:00

Jim Tigan of Tactical Avian Predators has been flying birds to protect our fruit for four years now. In this video he discusses why we use falcons at the winery despite the fact that there are many other raptors indigenous to the area. Then we get an unexpected demonstration from two local birds. Pretty cool.

Knuckita the Falcon: Showing Off at Hahn Winery

2010-09-18T19:05:00.000-07:00

It's getting close to Harvest in the Santa Lucia Highlands. And that's exciting on many levels. But one of the coolest things about this time of year is that we bring our friends, Jim Tigan and Kathleen Collins of Tactical Avian Predators, to protect our vineyards with their amazing falcons.

Humans have been using falcons for hundreds, maybe thousands, of years to help us to improve our lives. (Ask Jim for details.) But at Hahn, we use them to ensure that those pesky starlings stay away from our fruit...and to make our wines as tasty as they can be. All the while making sure the natural balance of nature is preserved.
And did we mention that it's one of the coolest things you've ever seen? You really need to see it to believe it. Today, we asked a few of our friends to the winery to check out the majesty of these amazing birds. We hope that they enjoyed their visit and want to share a bit of the day with you as well.

In the following days we'll be posting a series of videos highlighting what the falcons...and those amazing falconers do. Some of these videos are a bit long. Some are only a few seconds. They are all worth viewing, either for their educational content or their cool factor. Here's the first snippet. Stay tuned for more.

We're Chasing Away Dragons at the Winery

2010-08-19T10:05:00.001-07:00

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dragons.AVI (17904 KB)

Yes. Really.

Jim Tigan, our falconer, explains.

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An Interview with Nicky and Gaby Hahn

2010-08-04T11:22:00.001-07:00

We recently sat down with Nicky and Gaby Hahn to discuss the 30th anniversary of Hahn Winery. Here's what they had to say.

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Hanging in McMinnville and craving Cycles Gladiator Syrah?

2010-07-29T16:31:00.001-07:00

Look no further than Wednesday Wines at 250 NE 3rd St. Thanks for the support!

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Hahn SLH in Vancouver.

2010-07-19T17:29:00.001-07:00

Yep it made it through customs. Sage advice: don't bother to bring wine to Canada. Will cost you a fortune. And get your car searched from top to bottom.

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Wine tasting on a golf course.

2010-07-18T17:39:00.001-07:00

Loving the PN and Chard.

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Winery tip for the day

2010-07-18T16:19:00.001-07:00

Don't manage your vineyard like this...

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Mt Hood

2010-07-17T19:57:00.001-07:00

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Mt Hood. And cherries.

2010-07-17T19:56:00.001-07:00

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Cherry orchard in Hood River OR

2010-07-17T19:51:00.001-07:00

Tomorrow...wine tasting. Stay tuned for the hidden gems...#wine

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Crossing the finish line.

2010-07-12T13:11:00.001-07:00

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finish line.mp4 (15155 KB)

Well we made it. 50 miles in the San Jose Livestrong Challenge. And we made it out of bed this morning with little difficulty. (Perhaps an even bigger feat.)

Thanks to all that donated and to those that came out to cheer us on.

And a huge shout out to all the Livestrong volunteers that made this event happen. You guys rocked it over the weekend.

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We made it!!!

2010-07-11T11:36:00.001-07:00

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Halfway

2010-07-11T09:39:00.001-07:00

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Support team

2010-07-11T09:31:00.001-07:00

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Stop 1

2010-07-11T08:31:00.001-07:00

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Getting ready for the ride...Livestrong San Jose.

2010-07-11T07:16:00.001-07:00

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Spaghetti Western: 30th birthday party for Hahn Winery

2010-06-28T12:30:00.001-07:00

Thank you to all who attended the 30th birthday party for Hahn winery on Saturday! Here are a few pics for your viewing pleasure. More soon.

See and download the full gallery on posterous

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Set up and ready to pour at Pinot Days SF.

2010-06-27T12:45:00.001-07:00

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Smith Vineyard

2010-06-25T12:36:00.001-07:00

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Final preparations for Hahn Winery 30th birthday party.

2010-06-25T12:17:00.001-07:00

The tent is up.

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Hahn Winery Summer Food and Wine Pairing

2010-06-16T17:21:00.000-07:00

Gaucho steak with chimichurri sauce. Nothing better for our Hahn Santa Lucia Highlands Malbec. Yum!

Winemaker Paul Clifton goes surfing. In Austin TX?

2010-06-16T08:54:00.001-07:00

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SurfingPaul - Mobile.m4v (4555 KB)

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So What is Spaghetti Western Anyway?

2010-06-14T15:31:00.000-07:00

Our fearless leader Bill Leigon explains why we're calling the 30th anniversary party Spaghetti Western.

We hope to see you there. It's less than two weeks away!

Salinas Valley from the Blogger's Block

2010-06-08T10:37:00.001-07:00

Its a gorgeous day in the SLH. Wish you were here.

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Falconry Demonstration at Smith Vineyard

2010-05-25T12:21:00.001-07:00

Breaking news! We just had a falconry demonstration at the winery. Check out the pics! (Typically falcons only fly at Hahn winery during harvest time to protect the fruit from those pesky starlings.)

Utilizing falconers to frighten birds, rather than other potentially destructive methods, is just one more example of our sustainable practices in the vineyards and at the Winery.

To see videos with more detailed explanation of our falconry initiative, you can go here:

http://www.facebook.com/HahnFamilyWines#!/video/?id=101076232437

See and download the full gallery on posterous

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Always Take Care of the Cook

2010-05-21T08:28:00.000-07:00

Last night we were filming the how to video for the club newsletter recipe. This scene ended up on the cutting room floor, but thought everyone should be aware of this important tip. Two words: Cook's nips.

Behind the scenes: Andy's gonna be on TV

2010-05-20T09:16:00.001-07:00

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andy and varietals.MP4 (23491 KB)

Andy Mitchell, Director of vineyard operations, describes the varietals planted in Hahn vineyards...

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View of Hahn Winery from the contour in Smith Ranch

2010-05-11T17:24:00.001-07:00

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view from the contour.mp4 (21374 KB)

You can also see Deer Valley and the Sierra De Salinas. All in the lovely Santa Lucia Highlands.

And we hope that you take the time to come and visit one day soon.

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Clones in Lower Hook Vineyard

2010-05-10T13:35:00.001-07:00

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hook clones.MP4 (12857 KB)

Andy Mitchell discusses clones in the lower portion of Hook Vineyard at Hahn Winery. This block was replanted five years ago from Cabernet Sauvignon. We also changed row alignment, so you'll see its perpendicular to other older blocks in the vineyard...

There will be a quiz later.

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Ricardo Kanakari interviews our President Bill Leigon

2010-05-05T09:53:00.001-07:00

Bill gives great insight into our winery, the appellation and the wonders of Pinot Noir.

Check it out:

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Happy Birthday to Joni Hook!

2010-05-03T10:39:00.001-07:00

Joni has been part of the the Hahn family for more years than she'll want to tell. In fact she actually typed up Nicky Hahn's letter to establish the Santa Lucia Highlands appellation (which was officially recognized in 1991).

Thank you Joni for doing all that you do!

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@WineDiverGirl wins a bet

2010-04-29T14:17:00.001-07:00

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Steve Cairns (A Cal Grad) upholds his end of the bargain and sings the Trojans fight song to Lisa DeBruin at the Hahn Family Wines National Sales Meeting. And showered immediately thereafter.

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Chardonnay in Smith Ranch

2010-04-08T11:27:00.001-07:00

Can't believe how fast the vines are growing!

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Chardonnay Vines Basking in the Spring Glow

2010-03-31T12:34:00.001-07:00

Smith Ranch Chardonnay is loving the longer days and all that
sunlight. Look at those girls grow!

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Tweetup at JV Wine and Spirits in Napa CA March 12

2010-03-09T10:00:00.001-08:00

Join us on Friday March 12 from 5-7 PST as we meet and tweet along
with @stsupery If you can't make it you can find the wines on
grappos.com

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The Line up at SF Chronicle Tasting

2010-03-04T12:11:00.001-08:00

Our gold medal and best of class winners.

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St. Patrick's Day Food and Wine Pairing

2010-03-02T11:29:00.000-08:00

When many people think about Irish food they think about over cooked vegetables and boiled meat. In fact Ireland has a rich culinary history and has a thriving farm to table culture. This food culture is exemplified by the Cork City English Market, a truly amazing spot with delights to rival the best of markets around the world.

To celebrate the St. Patrick's Day Holiday we've created a food and wine pairing that highlights our sustainably grown estate wines and two hallmark ingredients of Irish cuisine. These two dishes are adapted from one of our favorite cookbooks, The Country Cooking of Ireland. If you enjoy cooking, or are interested in learning the history of Irish cuisine, this cookbook is an excellent choice.

These two recipes are extremely simple, ingredient driven dishes. (Sound familiar?) So only use the best ingredients for the best results. Happy Cooking, and Erin Go Bragh .

Irish Oyster Rolls
Paired with 2006 Hahn SLH Estate Chardonnay

Four Soft French rolls, split down the length of one side
4 TBSP Butter (Kerrygold or Plugra if available.)
1/2 cup Heavy Cream 3/4 cup Creme Fraiche (Sour cream or Mexican crema can be substituted, but wrap in cheesecloth and allow to strain over a bowl for several hours to remove excess liquid.)
20-24 fresh oysters shucked (Juices reserved)
White pepper (preferably fresh ground)
Hot sauce (Tabasco, Cholula or Tapatio)
Snipped fresh chives

Scoop out a small trough in each side of bread, then slather liberally with butter. Grill bread, cut side down in saute pan until golden brown, then keep warm in 200 degree oven.

While bread grills, mix cream, sour cream, and oyster juice together and cook over medium high heat until thickened, stirring constantly to prevent scorching. Turn down heat, add the oysters and cook until oysters are just cooked through. Adjust seasoning with white pepper and a dash or five of hot sauce.

Place oysters in rolls, ladle some sauce over them, then garnish with fresh chives. Serve on the spot with Hahn SLH chardonnay.

Irish Stew
Paired with 2007 Hahn SLH Estate Syrah

Three pounds fresh lamb shoulder, cut into one inch cubes
Two pounds russet potatoes, cut into thick slices
Two large yellow onions very thinly sliced
Handful of fresh Italian parsley chopped
One large sprig of thyme and one small bay leaf wrapped in cheesecloth bundle
Two cups homemade vegetable stock or low salt broth
Salt and pepper to taste.

Layer ingredients in dutch oven or casserole,
seasoning with salt and pepper as you place each layer in pot. Add stock until just covering ingredients, then bring to simmer on stove top over low heat. Place in 250 degree oven and cook for two and a half to three hours until meat is tender and sauce is thick. (Add extra stock as needed if pan becomes dry.)

Ladle stew into bowls and serve with lots of crusty bread, and a nice fruity glass of Hahn SLH syrah, a perfect foil for the gaminess of the lamb.

Pinot Summit Highlights

2010-03-01T16:04:00.001-08:00

Download now or watch on posterous

Pinot Summit Highlights.mp4 (25146 KB)

All the usual suspects were at the Pinot Summit Grand Tasting. And
then some. Here are some highlights!

Posted via email from News, events, awards and videos. They all come here to roost. Come back often to keep abreast of the latest.

Spring Newsletter food and wine pairing: Chicken Cacciatore

2010-02-10T11:07:00.000-08:00

1 (3 1/2- to 4-lb) chicken, cut into 8 serving pieces (cut each breast crosswise to form two pieces), seasoned with salt and pepper
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 large yellow onion, finely chopped
4 garlic cloves, minced
2/3 pound button mushrooms quartered.
1/2 cup Hahn Family red wine
1 (28-oz) can whole tomatoes in juice (Roughly chopped)
1/2 cup homemade chicken stock or reduced-sodium chicken broth
Kosher salt to taste
Fresh ground black pepper to taste
Chopped fresh herb mixture (parsley, thyme, chives)

Using a large heavy skillet or Dutch Oven, brown chicken pieces in 1 tablespoon olive oil in two batches, placing skin side down first (two to three minutes per side). Set aside. Remove pan from heat and wipe excess oil from pan, preserving brown bits stuck to pan if possible. Return pan to heat, add remaining olive oil, add onions, then garlic and cook over medium heat until onions are lightly caramelized, scraping up tasty bits from as you stir (about five minutes). Add mushrooms and cook till mushrooms are lightly browned and liquid has evaporated. Add canned tomatoes with juice and cook until half the liquid evaporates. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Add chicken stock and red wine, then bring to a boil. Add chicken pieces to pot, return to boil, then lower heat to simmer, cover and cook for 20-25 minutes, until sauce is thickened and darkened. Adjust seasoning as needed stir in a sprinkling of fresh herbs, and cook for one minute more. Serve atop fresh buttered egg noodles with a dash of fresh herbs as garnish. Serves four.

Pairs well with 2008 Copa Del Rey Merlot, 2007 Hahn SLH Pinot Noir, or 2007 Lucienne Doctor's Vineyard Pinot Noir

Southern Delight for Super Bowl Sunday

2010-02-03T11:29:00.000-08:00

Having grown up in the Deep South as an avid football fan I never thought I'd write these words, The Saints are playing in the Super Bowl this coming Sunday! I've never been a fan (and they've rarely given anyone a reason to cheer) but I must say I'm really enthusiastic about the occasion and will be chanting "Who 'Dat" with the best of them come game time.

I know that Chicken Wings are a Super Bowl staple and I'm sure they'll appear on many a table this year. But in support of the Saints I recommend preparing something that is unique to the area and is an excellent if even more messy alternative: New Orleans Barbecued Shrimp. No they're not really BBQ'd as they never get near a grill, but the sauce is quite spicy and you'll be licking the last drops off your fingers.

I first had this dish at a place called Cap'n Bill's Landing in Perdido Key, Alabama back in the late '70s. Our family must have gone back three times during the week to have them again they were so good. Now I know that anything with this much butter in it would be addictive. So if any of your friends over for the game are on a diet, don't share the recipe!

Everyone has their own take on how to prepare them, and a quick google search will lead you to a site with several variations if you'd like to experiment. But here's a recipe that I always use. The most important thing is to only use the freshest shrimp and highest quality butter you can find. The sauce has a kick so you'll need a big rich fruity red with enough residual sugar to stand up the the heat. Think Zinfandel or one of my faves from Hahn Family Wines, the Huntington 2007 Petit Sirah.

Happy cooking, and go Saints!

Traditional New Orleans BBQ Shrimp
4 pounds fresh head and tail on U 12 shrimp
2 pounds butter
3 teaspoons cayenne pepper
3 teaspoons black pepper
1 teaspoon white pepper
3 tablespoons fresh chopped rosemary
1/2 cup Worcestershire sauce
1 1/2 tablespoons Tabasco sauce
2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
6 ounces micro brew (preferably Abita)
10 cloves chopped garlic
1 yellow onion finely chopped
2 ribs celery finely chopped
Lots of fresh chopped parsley

Melt a stick of the butter in a skillet. Saute the garlic, onions, celery, parsley, rosemary and peppers till clarified.

Meanwhile in another large oven proof pan melt the remaining butter, add other liquid ingredients and bring to simmer. Add sauteed vegetables then add shrimp to pot. Return to a simmer, stir in a few tablespoons of fresh parsley then cover and place in 350 degree oven for 15 minutes, or until shrimp are pink and just cooked through.

Serve immediately with lots of crusty bread to sop up the extra sauce.

(photo courtesy of foodphotoblog.com)

Comfort Food to Keep You Warm on a Cold Night

2009-12-29T15:55:00.000-08:00

Yes it's cold outside. Really cold. And we can't think of a better way to stay warm than to throw another log on the fire and cook up a nice winter braise for dinner. We're partial to short ribs here at Hahn Winery, so take a peek at this video of a recent recipe we developed for our wine club. This recipe takes some time, but it's really simple to prepare. Just crack open a bottle of your favorite Hahn wine and it'll be ready for the table before you know it. If you want the full recipe, drop us a line and we'll send it to you.

Happy viewing!

Spring at Hahn Estates Winery

2009-04-20T11:55:00.001-07:00

It is spring time in wine country...and life is bursting fourth here at Hahn Estates. New vintages are being released, the air is fresh and sweet smelling, buds are on the vines and leafy green foliage is filling out each row in the vineyards. Grab a friend and visit us on the deck or in the tasting room to re-connect with us, with each other and with nature. You will be glad you did.

The image above is from a blog post featuring a pictorial courtesy of Andy Mitchell's amazing photography. His eye and each subject aligned perfectly to land on the film ...you'll catch your breath at the beauty on display. Check out the rest of the pics here then come back here and join the club.

Hahn SLH Wine of the Week! Thanks EQ

2009-03-27T12:36:00.000-07:00

We'd like to extend our thanks for this post at EQ:

And please, by all means, check 'em out!

Tour of California - Day 9

2009-03-16T09:00:00.001-07:00

Well, we've finally come to the end of the journey. The final day was nice and busy, plenty of the people showing up to watch Levi win the Tour yet again. Watching the video again just now I don't think I adequately conveyed the awesome hugeness of the Oakley booth. We had a 10'x10' tent with two plastic chairs. They had a six foot leather couch in their trailer.

I'm glad to be back back, but looking forward to next year. Now go buy some wine! :)

-Joshua Cairns

Tour of California - Day 8

2009-03-12T10:33:00.000-07:00

Day 8 saw us in the parking lot of the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, CA. Despite 7 previous days on the road we were coming towards the end. That along with help arriving so Joey and I were not working the booth by ourselves made for a pretty nice day. It felt like most the city of Pasadena came by the booth at some point and we had the opportunity to meet a lot of really cool people. Good times.

-Joshua Cairns

Tour of California - Day 7

2009-03-06T09:48:00.001-08:00

Day 7 was a lot of fun. We were hanging out in the little tourist town of Solvang, which is made up to give us a small taste of Denmark right here in California. The race was a time trial, so we were busy from the moment we set up the booth until the last rider has finished.

-Josh Cairns

Tour of California - Day 6

2009-03-02T09:50:00.000-08:00

Paso Robles is where we rested our feet on friday, day 6 of the Tour. A great wine and cycling community so it was almost guaranteed to be a great day. Six days on the road was starting to get tiring, but we were still having a fine time.

-Josh Cairns

Tour of California - Day 5

2009-03-02T09:49:00.001-08:00

Day 5 saw us in the fine town of Clovis. It was sunny! Everyone was stoked when we got to the festival and didn't need to slog through the water and mud. The MBT shoe guys across from us did some awesome double high-fives, cheered by the sun. With a great welcome of flags and friendly faces, Clovis "the gateway to the Sierras" was ready for some cycling.

-Josh Cairns

Tour of California - Day 4

2009-03-02T09:35:00.000-08:00

The last day in the rain was spent in Modesto, CA. Was a pretty long day of pouring down rain, which tamped everyone's spirits. Hopefully the weather will treat Modesto better next year.

-Josh Cairns

First three days of the Tour of California

2009-02-25T17:38:00.000-08:00

Hi there! I'm Josh Cairns, the brand manager for Cycles Gladiator. Cycles and Hahn had the honor of exhibiting our wines at every stage during the 2009 Tour of California. The nine day journey started in Sacramento and ended up in Escondido. Follow Joey and I as we travel up and down California with the other 2 million people who attended this year's Tour of California.

Day 1 - Sacramento

Day 2 - Santa Rosa

Day 3 - Santa Cruz

Wine onLine

2008-11-03T15:05:00.000-08:00

Are you a techno-phile? And do you also love wine? If you answered "yes", or even "maybe" to those questions, there's a lot to be excited about in the on-line wine world. There are opportunities to connect with fellow wine lovers through myriad blogs and winery review sites like the California Winery Advisor (image above). Or you can expand into an interactive web experience by connecting with fellow wine lovers on Wine 2.0 or the Open Wine Consortium. These are social sites that connect people who enjoy talking about wine with an international group of people.

Have even more energy than that? Try Twitter Taste Live: an on line group that hosts wine tastings and allows you to offer real time feed back as you taste along with people all over the world. Pretty crazy, but really fun! Want to be a spectator? Have you seen our own Hahn TV? Get to know our winemakers and the Hahn Family brands in detail. Check out the Huntington falcons, the Surfin' Cycles Gladiator winemakers, and the stars of the winemaking world in the Santa Lucia Highlands on Hahn TV.

This is Web 2.0. A variety of ways to engage you and give you the opportunity to participate. It may sound impersonal at first, but I have made connections on line that led me to meet great people, in person! Now I wouldn't trade my on line wine community for anything! They are smart, funny people that teach me about wine from all over the world. And I can stay connected to them between events through their blogs, and the social networks mentioned above. It is another way to share the wine experience with like-minded people who are also passionate about wine.

Below is a clip from the first North American Wine Bloggers Conference I attended for Hahn Estates in October, 2008. It is one of the greatest examples of successful social media in action, and a movement in the wine industry that is changing how we interact with wine online. Poke around and check out a few of the sites. There's also a fantastic log of Wine Blogs and participants from the WBC here: Caveman Wines.

Hahn Pinot Noir: In Oprah Magazine

2008-10-15T13:32:00.001-07:00

Our friends are talking about us. Brian Duncan of Bin 36 talks with Oprah about our wine. And they love what we're pouring at our table. Next month, we'll all be gathering around the diningroom table with our friends and family to celebrate countless blessings: each other, another year, the food on the table and the wine we share too. And what a treat to come together and share traditions as well as new beginnings in our lives.

If you haven't yet tried the Hahn Pinot Noir, you'll want to. The beauty of wine, unlike other standardized products, is that it is a living, changing spirit, crafted from the soil, and the grapes, the weather, our sustainable farming practices and the TLC we've poured into it. Then the wine makers add their science and artistry to the wine. Sometimes it seems like magic, how it all comes together, from the roots all the way to aging in the barrels and finally the bottle. We may know a lot about the science of fermentation, filtration, and so on, but when you take that first sip, it does feel and taste like magic.

Maybe some of that magic is the company you keep. The heady collaboration of the annual Thanksgiving Dinner can sometimes be overwhelming, stressful and unpleasant. But this year, in the context of National & World challenges, the blessings in our lives, our friends and family, sitting down together, sharing, telling stories...reminds us that our greatest fortunes are each other. Anyone you sit down with and share a bottle of wine with is special.

Thanks for taking us with you in those moments.

And for the quintessential Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir experience, try the Hahn SLH. .

Hahn Estates Dinner at Seasons Restaurant

2008-09-26T09:13:00.000-07:00

At Seasons Restaurant, a passion for food and wine is woven throughout the culinary experience. Under the imaginative direction of Executive Chef Mark Richardson, the cuisine is intrinsically linked to its abundant surroundings, featuring the freshest seasonal ingredients. Overlooking the bustling Market Street in downtown San Francisco, Seasons combines premier cuts of meat and the freshest seafood in a seasonally changing menu that innovates and refines the steakhouse concept. Join us for a 4-course innovative tasting menu paired with the sophisticated, yet accessible wines of Hahn Estate Vineyards in the Santa Lucia Highlands, SLH Estate Series. With an inspiration to raise wines to the highest level, the wines of Hahn Estates are created with a philosophy that all great wines are special - akin to the region they were grown in. The Hahn wines celebrate everything that is Monterey and Santa Lucia Highlands - unique in thought, style and setting.

7 pm Dinner
Seasons Restaurant located at the Four Seasons Hotel
757 Market Steet, San Francisco ~ $95.00

Hahn Family Wines: California Wine

2008-09-16T16:08:00.000-07:00

or MORE Hahn Family Wine : On Line Community Videos:

Hahn Family Wines on YouTube

AND: www.HahnWine.tv

Sign on and blog with us...

Visit Bin 36

2008-09-08T15:58:00.000-07:00

Brian Duncan & Bin 36 partner with Hahn Estates Winery to make a great house wine:
Find out why this California Wine shines in the Windy City.

Here!

And to get your hands on Bin 36 Wine...
Get it Here!
Yum...

Hahn Partners with Nike & the Human Race

2008-08-26T15:54:00.000-07:00

On August 31, 2008 Nike will host the Human Race in numerous cities around the world. In Los Angeles, California, at the Coliseum, Nike will partner with Hahn Estates Winery in support of the event, sustainable agriculture, and healthy life choices that impact individuals as well as the earth.

Hahn was selected by Nike because of their commitment to Sustainable Agriculture. We believe in a healthy, sustainable way of doing business. We're passionate about wine, and we're passionate about life...that means we think about the big picture and tread lightly wherever possible. That means we're working to stay on the cutting edge in technology and farming practices that delivers great wine leaving the earth a better place.

Isn't that what businesses should be like?

Join us.

Then after the race...open a bottle with us.

Hahn Family Wines

WHAT IS SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURE?

2008-08-21T15:48:00.000-07:00

Sustainable Agriculture...
PROMOTES A WIDE RANGE OF NATURAL PEST CONTROLS, SUCH AS BENEFICIAL INSECTS Hahn encourages beetles, lady bugs & lace wings to assist in the control of mealy bugs, leaf hoppers & aphids.

USES LESS TOXIC PESTICIDES WHEN NATURAL METHODS DON'T WORK Hahn uses Stylet Oil instead of sulfur when possible which controls mildew & suppresses mites. IMPROVES SOIL BY NATURAL METHODS, SUCH AS COVER CROPS Hahn uses cover crops including legumes which mulches into nitrogen fixing for the soil.

PROTECTS CLEAN DRINKING WATER Hahn uses VFD (Variable frequency Drive) pumps which controls energy usage and uses UV light treatment to give pure, clean water to the winery

PROVIDES WILDLIFE HABITAT AND ENCOURAGING RESIDENCY Hahn provides Wildlife Corridors so animals can migrate through the vineyards. CONSIDERS QUALITY OF LIFE ISSUES FOR FARM WORKERS AND NEIGHBORS IN THE COMMUNITY Hahn provides full benefits to their core group of farm workers, stays involved with the farm growing community. CONTINUALLY IMPROVING FARMING PRACTICES TO MAKE THEM MORE ENVIRONMENTALLY SOUND, SOCIALLY JUST, AND ECONOMICALLY VIABLE.

Hahn promotes the 3E’s of sustainability –
Environmentally Sound Economically Viable Socially Equitable

Moving Offices

2008-07-23T15:44:00.000-07:00

Yep, the Hahn Family Wines HQ, the heart of the Sales & Marketing offices are moving. Actually only a couple blocks away from downtown Napa to Hwy 29 & First Street more or less. Easier parking, closer to the freeway and twice as much space@ Yippee. The move happens the 1st week of September. Stay Tuned for updated contact information! NEW address: 700 California Boulevard, Napa, CA 94559...same numbers!

Wild Fires in California: their effects on the grapes!

2008-07-21T15:36:00.000-07:00

Although we have had a few days where some ash has fallen, mostly upper Smith and Hook Vineyards, there have not been a lot of days with strong odors of smoke.

I think we are fortunate in that our strong prevailing winds push much of the smoke to the south of us. I have discussed the issue with Paul Clifton & a few of the wine makers that have been out to see “their” Pinot this week, and the consensus is……..it’s just too early to tell. Until we have fruit ripe enough to taste, it will be purely conjecture. We will definitely keep you posted on any developments.

The heat wave of late June, specifically June 20th, took a great toll on our 2009 avocado crop. The bloom period was just finishing, and a modest amount of fruit set appeared to be occurring when we got hit with two days of extreme heat. On the 20^th temperatures stayed in the triple digits for nearly 6 hours (very unusual for our area) with the top recorded temperature being 104.5. There is some sunburn on this year’s crop (on exposed fruit), but not near as bad as what other growers experienced in warmer growing regions.

The same heat-wave has also affected our Merlot set; looks as if we will be down by at least 50% of a normal crop, if not more. Syrah is also looking much lighter than normal,

with the other varietals looking pretty good, although showing lots of “hens & chicks” again this year as the beginning of our bloom period was on the cooler side.

Santé
Andy Mitchell
Hahn Estates Winery

The New Hahn Estates Website

2008-07-08T15:08:00.000-07:00

We have launched our revised website this month and we hope you like the changes! We have added many new interactive elements to the site including videos of our gorgeous part of the state! Please check back for more blog posts soon!

The Hahn Estates Family