Hanzell Vineyards

Our ten American Guinea Hogs have been working their way through the first paddock like pros. They’re loving all the treats they’re uncovering. Check out what the forest floor looked like before the pigs came through and then after. As they plow through, what they don’t munch, their hooves break down and turn back into the soil as mulch. Not only does the forest floor look remarkably different, but the feel underfoot is light and fluffy and perfectly fresh.

The hens are out scratching up and devouring all the goodies in the vineyard ahead of the coming rain. We eagerly await this weeks anticipated storms and hope they deliver ample rainfall! This month has been fairly dry and we could definitely use some replenishing storms.

Our pigs are over the moon with their new assignment as Fire Prevention Pigs. While their sheep and chicken friends graze the adjacent vineyard, our pigs will move through the forest clearing leaves, brush, poison oak and all the acorns any pig could ever hope for. This plan has been in the making for some time so watching the pigs lead themselves into the forest and do exactly what we hoped they would was pretty magical!

While the world feels on pause in many ways, nature keeps on moving. With a break in the rain this week, Jose, Jason and Sergio began pruning, which is possibly the most important task in the vineyard year. Today we began in the Ambassador’s 1953 Vineyard block, home to our oldest and most treasured vines. Nearing 70 years old, these vines continue to produce beautiful fruit, thanks in large part to the all the dedicated stewards of Hanzell over the years. We very much look forward watching them as this 2021 growing season unfolds!

Hanzell is such a magical place to be on this quiet, misty, and foggy day at the start of a promising new year. We hope you all had a wonderful holiday season and are enjoying the start to this new, hopeful year. Thank you for continuing to follow our story and for your tremendous support this last year and always. We’re so thankful for you all.

From our entire crew to yours, we wish you a very happy Thanksgiving day today! We are thankful and grateful for you; our friends and supporters. Wishing you all the best this very unusual holiday season, we hope today and everyday, your table is full of delicious food and wine, surrounded by those you love.