John Hawley & Sons made this bar out of barrels.

Jay (Vine Rover Tours) introduced me to Hawley’s in 2009.  The ten acres of vineyards and one small barrel room is truly an “insiders” spot. Unless someone takes you, you’ll never know it’s there.  Visiting small tucked-away wineries is fun but discovering that they make really good wine is even better.

John Hawley has a rich and fascinating winemaking pedigree that is even more interesting because he left the glamor jobs (at Clos du Val & Kendall Jackson) to sweat in his own vineyards. Winemakers who are owners, especially those that make lots of different wines, are like whirlwinds moving from one task to another.  John is no different.  His sons, Paul & Austin work with him.  Paul is a film maker as well, he co-wrote and produced the movie Corked with Bella Winery’s Ross Clendenen.  I don’t want to embarrass Austin, but he has lots of female admirers who have begged me to take them to “see Austin.”  Both men are very personable and welcoming, and you’ll probably see one or another in the tasting room.

In Spring 2010, the Hawley’s opened a tasting room and art gallery (to showcase paintings by Dana Hawley aka Paul & Austin’s mom) in downtown Healdsburg.  I highly recommend a visit.  They make nine wines, all small lots (under 500 cases each) except for their Viogner and Merlot. Currently, Paul & Austin’s first Sauvignon Blanc (2009 Dry Creek Valley) is a favorite of mine.  I’m also a huge fan of their Viogner and Late Harvest Zinfandel.  The Viogner is a consistent medal winner. The Late Harvest Zin (2008 Dry Creek Valley) pairs very well with bread pudding.

Go see them when in Healdsburg & tell them you were sent from Girl with a Glass!  You can also try their wines by buying them online.

Tags: Hawley, Hawley Winery, wine