Walter Hansel Winery

How did Walter Hansel Winery become a reality?  Some people inherit an eye color and stick pins from their fathers. Stephan Hansel inherited a love of growing things, particularly grapes. Stephan’s father, Walter, would make his son help him with the harvest in the 1970’s and he came to love the process. He went on to study oenology. His vineyards went commercial in 1998, and he has vowed to always compromise quantity for quality. He chose the right spot: the slopes around Santa Rosa bring the cool evenings that let the grapes develop slowly. A marine layer stays in the valley, and the soil is particularly conducive to growing vines. The wine he makes with it is intense and complex.

This commitment is such that you can get a vineyard tour and tasting by appointment only. However, they also have a bistro that serves French Country-style cuisine in a classic red roadhouse. It even has a white fence and a star over the entrance. The interior decoration is restrained white, and the atmosphere is friendly and relaxed. Come and relax with tastings of cheese, olives and other classic dishes. You can order salmon and beef salad, and these pair beautifully with Sauvignon Blancs, Merlots, Pinot Noirs, and Chardonnays. Here, casual dining coupled with classy food make this a gem of a Santa Rosa experience.

Walter Hansel winery focuses on a few varietals. For red wine, they produce a number of Pinot Noirs. The grapes are all estate grown from different parts of the vineyard.

They also produce a Rose using Pinot Noir grapes.

For white wines they make Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc. The Chardonnay is made from whole grape clusters.

Address: 5465 Hall Road, Santa Rosa  Walter Hansel Wine and Bistro: 3535 Guerneville Road, Santa Rosa

Phone: (707) 525-3614 (Walter Hansel Wine and Bistro 546-6462)

Tasting Room Hours: Tasting and Tours by appointment. Bistro Wednesdays through Sunday 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm