Sometimes, the best experiences arise from unexpected changes in plans. My visit to Hamel Family Wines, nestled in the heart of Sonoma County, was initially scheduled for an 11 am tasting. It was meant to be a relaxed finale to a wine country trip with friends. Little did I know, the day would take a detour, leading to an even more memorable encounter with this remarkable winery.
Our day began with an unwelcome surprise – a flat tire on our rental car at 9:30 am. A supposed stress-free wine tasting day quickly turned into a flurry of phone calls – to the rental car company, the towing service, and, importantly, to the public relations representative for Hamel Family Wines. Thankfully, after a few calls, the winery graciously accommodated us, rescheduling our visit to 3:30 pm. Perfect!
After a somewhat adventurous tow truck ride and navigating the rental car desk at Sonoma County Airport, we finally arrived at Hamel Family Wines at our new appointment time. It was the perfect moment to unwind from the morning’s chaos, and the promise of exquisite wines and the understanding flexibility of the winery staff were exactly what we needed.
Serendipitous Connections and the Badger Emblem
Stepping out of the car in the parking area, my eye immediately caught a floor mat displaying the Hamel Family Wines logo – a badger. A badger? In California wine country? For a moment, I felt transported back to Wisconsin. My husband’s home state and alma mater of our eldest daughter, the University of Wisconsin-Madison, proudly boasts the badger as its mascot. As I soon discovered, the Hamel family’s deep connection to the University of Wisconsin spans three generations. This, among other meaningful reasons detailed on the Hamel Family Wines website, is why the badger has become the iconic symbol of this Sonoma winery.
Leslie Garcia, the warm and welcoming Wine Ambassador at Hamel Family Wines, greeted us at the door and immediately offered us glasses of their refreshing 2015 Estate Rosé. As we began our tour, taking in the stunning panoramic views of the valley and Sonoma Mountains from the patio, Leslie shared another intriguing connection. Just the previous Saturday evening, Bruce Hornsby had performed at the winery for a private dinner event during the 2015 Sonoma Harvest Wine Auction, raising an impressive $420,000 for charity. This anecdote sparked yet another personal connection – Bruce Hornsby hails from my home state of Virginia and attended my own alma mater, the University of Richmond. I even recalled hearing him play in Williamsburg in his early days, long before his widespread fame. And he had just been at Hamel Family Wines days before my visit! These unexpected coincidences were delightful surprises adding to the charm of the experience.
vineyard landscape of Hamel Family Wines in Sonoma
The Hamel Family: A Legacy in Wine
The story of Hamel Family Wines is as compelling as their wines. George Hamel, Jr., after a successful career in private equity, including a partnership at Blum Capital and co-founding ValueAct Capital, embarked on a new chapter in 2006. He and his wife, Pam, purchased a home in Kenwood, which included Cabernet Sauvignon vineyards. Driven by a passion for winemaking, they expanded their land holdings, cultivated more vines, and enlisted the expertise of renowned consultant Julia Iantosca. Their inaugural vintage of Hamel Family Wines yielded 292 cases, marking the beginning of a serious winemaking endeavor. When the property on Highway 12, formerly owned by George and Phoebe Hearst, became available, the Hamel family seized the opportunity, solidifying Hamel Family Wines as a prominent and dedicated winery.
The family’s involvement extends to the next generation. John Hamel, the youngest son, joined the family venture after graduating from the University of Wisconsin with a journalism degree. His background includes organic farming in Napa Valley and winery public relations, providing a unique blend of skills for winemaking. His older brother, George Hamel III, a Bard College graduate, transitioned from investment banking in New York and Florida to the allure of Sonoma’s Valley of the Moon.
Today, John Hamel is the Winemaker, holding a winemaking certification from UC Davis and collaborating with consulting winemaker Martha McClellan. George III serves as the Managing Director of Hamel Family Wines, leveraging his MBA from Sonoma State University’s Wine Business Institute. Their sister, Casey Hamel, contributes to the winery’s administration while pursuing her Master’s Degree in Occupational Therapy at, naturally, the University of Wisconsin, further cementing the family’s Badger connection.
George Hamel III and John Hamel of Hamel Family Wines
George Jr. remains President of Hamel Family Wines, expressing immense pride in his family and their shared mission: to craft world-class wines. Driven by John’s influence, the vineyards are certified organic and employ biodynamic practices. The stunning, LEED-certified tasting room, with its expansive floor-to-ceiling windows, offers breathtaking views, enhancing the visitor experience at Hamel Family Wines.
interior of the Hamel Family Wines tasting room
Tasting the Exceptional Terroir of Hamel Family Wines
Following our insightful winery tour, Leslie guided us to the elegant tasting room for a curated wine experience. We savored a selection of Hamel Family Wines paired with artisanal cheese and a delectable charcuterie board, in the company of George Jr. and George III. George Jr. explained their winemaking philosophy, emphasizing a traditional approach within their state-of-the-art facility. Hamel Family Wines prides itself on using estate-grown grapes, hand-picked and hand-sorted. They embrace whole berry fermentation and utilize both stainless steel and concrete tanks for fermentation.
The tasting was filled with laughter and shared stories as we explored these exceptional wines.
The 2015 Estate Sauvignon Blanc ($45) was remarkably fresh, with a subtle minerality and vibrant notes of juicy citrus, lemon zest, and delicate herbs on both the nose and palate. After our eventful morning, this wine was the perfect revitalizing start to the tasting.
The 2014 Zinfandel ($55) showcased glorious notes of mint, anise, ripe plum, pepper, and spice. While already delightful, it promises to evolve beautifully over the next three to five years. The tannins were substantial yet smooth, and the finish was captivating. Sipping the 2014 Zinfandel while gazing at the panoramic valley and Sonoma Mountains view, it was undeniable – moments in wine country rarely get better than this.
The 2012 Isthmus ($80), a sophisticated blend of 75% Cabernet Sauvignon, 18% Merlot, and 7% Cabernet Franc, epitomized elegance and finesse. Layers of rich red fruit, earth, and tobacco were beautifully interwoven with fresh acidity and firm, broad tannins. Structured and refined, the 2012 Isthmus is a wine destined to age gracefully.
The 2011 Hamel Family Ranch ($150) provided a phenomenal finale to the tasting. Aromas of dark plum, blackberry jam, and herbs led to a palate rich with baking spice, minerality, and dark stone fruit, all supported by robust tannins and bright acidity. The persistent finish was polished and refined, making each sip a luxurious experience.
Despite the unexpected start to the day, my afternoon at Hamel Family Wines unfolded with luxurious surprises at every turn: a stunning winery, exceptional wines, and the warm hospitality of a truly remarkable family. I am already looking forward to my return to Hamel Family Wines, where the only surprise I anticipate is deciding which of their notable wines to savor first.
