An Unexpected Surprise – Hamel Family Wines

Sometimes schedules change because a sequence of unplanned events occur. My appointment to experience the wines and more at Hamel Family Wines  in Sonoma County was set for 11 am one day earlier this summer. The final day of a visit to wine country with college friends had arrived and I was excited to add another 24 hours with one of my pals to visit Hamel Family Wines, a winery that was unfamiliar to me.

What was intended to be a stress-free day of wine tasting became anything but – our rental car had a flat tire at 9:30 am. Not only were contacts made to the car rental agency and tow truck service, but to the Hamel Family Wines’ public relations representative. After making a few phone calls, she informed me that the winery staff could accommodate us at 3:30 pm instead. Perfect!

After a long and bumpy ride in the front seat of the tow truck and a fair amount of wrangling at the car rental desk at Sonoma County Airport, we managed to find our way back to Hamel Family Wines at the appointed hour. It was time to decompress from the surprises of the day. Sips of wine and plenty of gratitude for everyone’s willingness to adjust the schedule were definitely in order…

The Badger Connection…and more

As soon as I opened the car door in the parking lot, I stepped on a floor mat emblazoned with the Hamel Family Wines logo, a badger. Was I in California or Wisconsin? My husband is from Wisconsin and our oldest daughter graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison; its mascot is the badger. As I learned that day, the Hamel family boasts three generations of alums from the University of Wisconsin and, among other reasons, the badger is now the symbol of the winery.

Leslie Garcia, Wine Ambassador, greeted us at the door with a warm welcome, poured each of us a glass of 2015 Estate Rose, and began our fascinating tour of the winery.  As we marveled at the breathtaking view of the valley and Sonoma Mountains from the outside patio, she shared that Bruce Hornsby had performed at the winery on the previous Saturday evening at a multi-bid private dinner purchased at the 2015 Sonoma Harvest Wine Auction; an impressive $420,000 was raised for charity. This anecdote was yet another connection – Bruce Hornsby is from Virginia, my home state, and attended my alma mater, the University of Richmond. I remember listening to him play in a band in Williamsburg before anyone but music lovers in Tidewater Virginia knew his name. And Bruce was at Hamel Family Wines just days before my visit?

I thoroughly enjoyed these unexpected surprises!

The Hamel Family

George Hamel, Jr. retired from a successful career with private equity firms that included Blum Capital (where he held a partnership) and ValueAct Capital, the San Francisco company he co-founded.  In 2006, he and his wife, Pam, purchased a home in Kenwood, a home that had vineyards of Cabernet grapes. George and Pam purchased additional land, cultivated more grapes, hired renown Julia Iantosca as their consultant, and produced  292 cases of their first vintage of Hamel Family Wines. They were ready to expand their winemaking venture. Once the property on Highway 12 (formerly owned by George and Phoebe Hearst) was available, the family decided to make an offer. Thus, Hamel Family Wines became a serious, viable operation.

Youngest son, John Hamel, decided to join the family winemaking venture having graduated from the University of Wisconsin with a journalism degree; this was followed by a stint as an organic farmer in Napa Valley and in public relations for wineries. Older brother George Hamel III, a graduate of Bard College, was an investment banker in New York and Florida, yet decided to leave the corporate world for the this beautiful area known as the Valley of the Moon.

Now, John is Winemaker. He received his winemaking certification from University of California (UC) – Davis and works closely with consulting winemaker Martha McClellan. George III is Managing Director of Hamel Family Wines and holds a MBA from Sonoma State University’s Wine Business Institute. Casey Hamel, their sister, juggles Administrator responsibilities as she’s pursuing her Master’s Degree in Occupational Therapy at, of course, the University of Wisconsin.

George Hamel III and John Hamel (photo credit: www.hamelfamilywines.com)

George Jr. remains President of Hamel Family wines and is proud of his family and their mission: to produce world class wines. The wines are certified organic and produced using biodynamic techniques, thanks to John’s input. The stunning tasting room is LEED Certified with floor to ceiling windows offering a sweeping view to those fortunate to visit.

Tasting Room (photo credit: www.hamelfamilywines.com)

The Extraordinary Hamel Family Wines

After our winery tour, Leslie brought us into the tasting room for a selection of wines paired with a delectable cheese, a savory charcuterie plate, and the company of George Jr. and George III. George Jr. explained that their winemaking style is traditional, although the facility is quite modern. All Hamel Family wines boast estate grown grapes that are hand-picked and hand sorted. Whole berry fermentation is not uncommon and fermentation is in stainless steel and concrete tanks.

Plenty of laughter and sharing of small world stories ensued as we tasted these exceptional wines.

The beautifully fresh 2015 Estate Sauvignon Blanc ($45) presented a touch of minerality, notes of juicy citrus, lemon zest, and gentle herbs on the nose and palate. After an arduous morning, this wine was just what I needed…

With elements of mint, anise, ripe plum, pepper and spice, the 2014 Zinfandel ($55) was glorious, but will be even more so in three to five years. The tannins were broad, yet satin-like and the finish was mesmerizing.  As I gazed at the view of the valley and Sonoma Mountains while sipping the 2014 Zinfandel, I had to admit…it doesn’t get much better than this.

Sophistication and finesse are just two words to define the 2012 Isthmus ($80), a wine consisting of 75% Cabernet Sauvignon, 18% Merlot, and 7% Cabernet Franc. Woven together were elements of rich red fruit, earth, and tobacco, fresh acidity, and broad, firm tannins. Structured and elegant, the 2012 Isthmus will age with grace.

The 2011 Hamel Family Ranch ($150) was a phenomenal finale to the day. Aromas of dark plum, blackberry jam, and herbs led to flavors of baking spice, minerality, and dark stone fruit that were bolstered by steady tannins and bright acidity. The persistent finish was refined and polished; I looked forward to each sip.

After the unexpected surprise of the morning, my afternoon was the same, but in a most luxurious way: visiting a stunning winery, tasting exceptional wines and meeting members of a remarkable family. I’m already anticipating my return to Hamel Family Wines where I expect that the only surprise will be which notable wine I shall sip first.

Cheers ~ Cindy

George Hamel III and George Hamel, Jr.