Hanzell Vineyards

J.D Zellerbach led a very exciting life: he helped implement the Marshall Plan, ran the highly successful Crown Zellerbach business, and, in 1948, bought 14 acres of land on the Mayacamas Range in Sonoma. He was inspired in Rome to produce wines that rivaled anything Europe could produce, which was why he set up a winery. To name his winery, he combined his last name with his wife’s name, Hannah, to create Hanzell Winery. The winery business of Sonoma County has not been the same since.

The vineyard now takes up 46 acres of vineyards, 6 acres of residences with gardens, and 148 acres of oak woodland. You can arrange to tour these majestic hills, with their warm afternoons, gentle breezes and transcendent light. You can admire the west- and east- facing slopes, where vines of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Cabernet Sauvignon grapes neatly march in contrast the wilderness beyond.  Gardens will delight you as they weave artfully with the vineyards and stands of trees. You can absorb the art installations that are dotted throughout the oak woodland. And buried deep in these fields is the historic wooden ranch house where the wine is crafted.

If this sounds like your type of fun, the winery offers two types of tours. There is the Heritage Winery Tour where the Estate Educators will take you through the storied history, farming and winemaking philosophy. It ends with a seated tasting of current release wines. The other tour is the Private Estate Tour that will take you on a driving tour of the estate, including the barrel-aging cave. This also ends with a seated tasting.

This is a winery for anyone who loves touching history and tasting wine in one spot. Come and experience the historic in the wine.

Address: 18596 Lomita Avenue, Sonoma

Phone: (707) 996-3860

Tasting Room Hours: By appointment. Can make appointment through CellarPass or by calling

Tasting Room Fees: Heritage Winery Tour $45 per person

Private Estate Tour $65 per person