Frequently Asked Questions

As part of our ongoing commitment to sustainability, we have discontinued the use of foil on the neck of our wine bottles. Our final vintage to include foil was in 2021.

This change does not affect the quality, safety, or integrity of our wines. 

There are no faults in your bottle. While there is a common misconception that foil-less bottles impact shelf life, the absence of foil has no effect on the wine’s longevity or preservation.

Rather, this decision reflects our efforts to reduce waste and minimize our environmental impact.

We appreciate your understanding and thank you for supporting our sustainability initiatives.

We hold our wines longer than most wineries before release to ensure they are approachable and enjoyable immediately upon purchase. At the same time, our wines are crafted to continue evolving over time and can benefit from additional cellaring.

We encourage allowing for bottle aging when possible, as both primary and secondary flavors will continue to develop, adding complexity and depth to the wine. This balance allows our wines to be enjoyed now or thoughtfully cellared for the future.

To preserve the quality and character of our wines, we recommend storing all bottles in a cool, dark place with a consistent temperature, ideally between 55°F and 60°F. Bottles should be stored on their side to keep the cork moist, and away from direct sunlight, heat, and vibration.

For specific varietals, we suggest the following guidelines:

Chardonnay: Best stored in a cool, stable environment. While enjoyable upon release, many Chardonnays can benefit from short- to medium-term cellaring. Store horizontally and plan to enjoy within 2–5 years, depending on vintage and style.

Pinot Noir: Store in a temperature-controlled space, as Pinot Noir is particularly sensitive to heat and light. Properly stored, it can age gracefully for several years and develop added complexity.

Sauvignon Blanc: Typically best enjoyed young for its fresh, vibrant character. Store in a cool, dark place and enjoy within 1–3 years for optimal freshness.

Rosé: Best consumed while young and fresh. Store in a cool, dark place and plan to enjoy within 1–2 years of release for the best expression of flavor and aroma.

Proper storage helps ensure that each bottle is enjoyed at its best. 

* If you have any questions about specific vintages or storage conditions, please feel free to contact our team for personalized guidance.

Yes, we may offer private tastings and special events by request. We kindly ask that you contact the winery directly for availability, details, and personalized options. Our team will be happy to provide you with additional information and assist in creating a memorable experience!

At Walter Hansel Winery, we believe that great wine begins with deep respect for the land. We are committed to preserving the natural landscape and honoring the ecology that existed long before us. Every decision we make is guided by our responsibility to protect and sustain this environment for future generations.

Our estate’s oak trees play a significant role in both our vineyard ecosystem and our winemaking philosophy. These majestic trees support biodiversity, enrich soil health, and serve as a lasting symbol of balance between nature and cultivation. We carefully steward these natural resources, recognizing their importance to the long-term vitality of our vineyards.

Through sustainable practices and thoughtful land management, we strive to minimize our environmental footprint while nurturing healthy vines and vibrant habitats. Our commitment to sustainability, ecology, and preservation reflects our belief that caring for the land is essential to crafting wines of exceptional quality and character.

At Walter Hansel Winery, our oak trees are far more than a scenic backdrop, they are an essential part of our vineyard ecosystem and winemaking philosophy. These majestic trees contribute to the health and balance of our land, supporting biodiversity, enriching soil, and helping regulate water retention. By nurturing this natural environment, we create resilient vines that produce fruit of exceptional quality for our Pinot Noir.

Beyond their ecological role, the oak trees symbolize our commitment to preserving the land as it existed long before we arrived. We carefully steward these trees, integrating them into our vineyards rather than removing them, reflecting our belief in responsible, sustainable farming.

The healthy ecosystem fostered by our oaks allows our Pinot Noir to thrive, resulting in wines that express elegance, complexity, and a true sense of place. At Walter Hansel, honoring the land and its natural heritage is at the heart of everything we do from vineyard to glass.

The California tiger salamander is an endangered species that inhabits the Santa Rosa Plain region, where our vineyards are located. At Walter Hansel Winery, we honor the ecology of the land and are committed to preserving the natural habitat that supports this rare species.

Through thoughtful land stewardship and responsible vineyard practices, we strive to minimize environmental impact and help protect the delicate ecosystems that surround us. We believe that caring for the land is essential to both conservation and winemaking excellence.

Yes, reservations are required for tastings. Please submit a request through the inquiry form located on the Tasting tab of our website. This allows us to coordinate your visit and provide the best possible experience.

Kindly allow up to 24 hours for our team to respond and confirm your reservation. For urgent matters, please feel free to contact our office directly.

We look forward to welcoming you and sharing our wines with you.