Hanna Winery

California Wine, Sonoma Valley

About Hanna Wines

Dr. Elias Hanna loved his adopted country of the U.S., but still yearned for the pace of farm life of his birthplace Syria. In the 1970's he realized his dream with the purchase of 12 acres in the Russian River Valley. It was here that this world-renowned cardiac surgeon introduced his children to winemaking, in particular homemade Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon.

This simple beginning, driven by personal aspiration, led to great achievements. Today, Hanna Winery encompasses more than 600 acres of land with approximately 250 acres planted to vines in the Russian River Valley, Alexander Valley, and its Bismark Ranch in the Mayacamas Mountains. Yet, great achievements require personal hands-on attention and Christine Hanna, the eldest daughter, runs the daily operations maintaining the familial touch. Under her guidance the winery has evolved into an estate philosophy that blends the viticultural diversity of fruit cultivated in its four vineyard estates in three unique appellations. With the help of winemaker Jeff Hinchliffe, they craft 13 award-winning wines, like those of its Russian River Valley Sauvignon Blanc and Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon.

In the spring of 1998, Jeff joined Hanna Winery, and has been making award winning wines ever since. Three vintages of Sauvignon Blanc have won the sweepstakes award at the Sonoma County Harvest Fair, and the 1999 Alexander Valley Cabernet was #26 of the world's top 100 wines in the Wine Spectator. "The Hanna family has a progressive attitude towards viticulture" says Jeff. "The vineyard locations are diverse and appropriately planted, which makes the situation as winemaker ideal. We do what few wineries have done, producing a wide range of varietals that are distinctive and exemplary.