Hanson of Sonoma Distillery
Overview of the Distillery
Hanson of Sonoma Distillery is a production site and tasting room located in Los Carneros AVA, in the middle of vineyards. The place is known for producing vodka from organic grapes by fermenting the grapes into wine and distilling this in a specially built facility with pot-still and column elements. The tasting room offers flights, cocktails, and pairings, and production is visible to guests through tours and educational programs.
Raw Materials and Production
Production starts with organic grapes, which first ferment into wine. The fermented grape wine is then distilled further in a custom-built 50-plate system, which combines pot-still and column elements. This approach differs from grain-based spirit processes by using grape material as the fermentable sugar base. The distillery's production space is integrated with the tasting room, so guests can glimpse the entire chain from field to distillation. There is a focus on craftsmanship and education in the process through guided tours and tastings, and the interior combines industrial, modern elements with rustic details.
Whiskies
The tasting room selection primarily consists of flights of organic grape-based vodka and handmade cocktails, complemented by seasonal offerings and pairings such as caviar. No fixed whiskey lines or aged bottles are mentioned; offerings are centered on tasting experiences and educational programs served from a 20-seat bar in an environment surrounded by vineyards.
General Flavor Profile
Subtle sweetness and a very soft, 'super smooth' character.
Visiting the Distillery
The tasting room is open daily from 11:00 to 17:30. Guests can participate in tours, tastings and private events as well as more in-depth educational experiences. The site has a 20-seat bar, a courtyard with a pond and seating in an area surrounded by about 40 acres of vineyards. Experiences are offered for a fee and start at $25; phone contact is (707) 343-1805 for practical information.
The stated opening hours are Open daily 11:00–17:30.
Philosophy and Craft
The company's practice is based on using organic grapes and a process where the grapes are fermented into wine and then distilled. There is a clear focus on communicating the production to guests through tours and educational tastings, as well as working with local agricultural resources as the raw material base.