SONOMA, Calif.
Hamel Family Wines in the Sonoma Valley has announced the celebration of its grand opening on Monday, June 2.
The 7,500-square-foot winery will feature limited-production premium wines from estate-grown, organically farmed vineyards, led by two generations of the Hamel family – vintners Pam and George F. Hamel, Jr., managing director George F. Hamel III, and winemaker John B. Hamel II.
Winemaker Martha McClellan serves as winemaking consultant and organic viticulturist Phil Coturri assists with vineyard operations and development.
The new winery, located on the Hamel Family Ranch at 15401 Sonoma Highway, in Sonoma, Calif., will be showcasing varietals that include Cabernet Sauvignon and Bordeaux inspired blends, Zinfandel and Grenache. The property was acquired by George, Jr. and Pam Hamel in 2010 in partnership with their sons, George III and John. The property had primarily been family-owned for 100-plus years.
The history of family ownership is an important element that resonates deeply with the Hamels’ vision of presenting the winery as a home to its loyal customers and guests. The 124-acre property encompasses a 6,875-square-foot Estate House from which guests can savor panoramic views of the Sonoma Valley, a 7,500-square-foot winery, and 12,000 square feet of caves for barrel storage, tours, private dining, and events.
Partnerships in Architecture and Experience
Visitors to Hamel Family Wines are greeted by a stand of hundred-year-old olive trees surrounded by gently rolling vineyards.
Both the Estate House and the production facility were designed in partnership with Gould Evans, an award-winning architecture firm. The winery’s design showcases fundamental materials of black walnut wood, travertine, and basalt stone, combined with a rammed-earth wall that spans the length of the Estate House and captures the natural beauty and texture of the surrounding earth.
The all-star winemaking team includes acclaimed consulting winemaker Martha McClellan, whose credits include Napa Valley’s Harlan Estate, Sloan Estate and Checkerboard Vineyards; organic viticulturist Phil Coturri; and John Hamel. The winemaking will focus on crafting estate-grown, organically farmed Cabernet Sauvignon and Bordeaux-style blends, Zinfandel, Grenache, and Sauvignon Blanc.
To further showcase this special estate and its wines, Hamel Family Wines has partnered with multi-faceted branding and design guru Ken Fulk and his company, Ken Fulk Inc., to curate once-in-a-lifetime experiences for guests of the property, such as dinner in the vineyards with chef Gary Danko, campfire concerts and an outdoor movie series.
Ken Fulk Inc. is a creative think tank specializing in multi-disciplinary design projects that range from residences to restaurants and gala fundraisers to private parties. Hamel Family Wines will be no exception: in addition to producing terroir-inspired wines, the team will incorporate lifestyle, art, fashion, and architecture to complete the vision.
Hamel Family Wines, located at 15401 Sonoma Highway in Sonoma Valley, will be open for tastings by appointment, seven days a week from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
