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Family of Friends Newsletter

Music fills the air as a band entertains guests at the annual harvest party hosted by Halleck Vineyard at their Sebastopol Estate in Sonoma County. The event showcases the winery's premium wines and allows visitors to experience the beauty of the vineyard during harvest season. With live music, delicious food, and of course, great wine, this harvest party is a must-attend event for any wine enthusiast.

Music fills the air as a band entertains guests at the annual harvest party hosted by Halleck Vineyard at their Sebastopol Estate in Sonoma County. The event showcases the winery's premium wines and allows visitors to experience the beauty of the vineyard during harvest season. With live music, delicious food, and of course, great wine, this harvest party is a must-attend event for any wine enthusiast.

Ross Halleck, the winemaker of Halleck Vineyard located in Sonoma County, and Victoria Taylor, the sommelier of Bar Boulud in Manhattan, collaborated on a private wine pairing dinner. The event showcased premium wines from the Russian River Valley, known for its fruity and earthy notes, paired with delectable dishes crafted by the expert chefs at Bar Boulud. This unforgettable dining experience brought together the best of Californian winemaking and French culinary expertise, creating a fine dining experience for all attendees.

Ross Halleck, the winemaker of Halleck Vineyard located in Sonoma County, and Victoria Taylor, the sommelier of Bar Boulud in Manhattan, collaborated on a private wine pairing dinner. (Photo by Scott Heins)

A group of girlfriends enjoying Russian River Valley Sauvignon Blanc at Halleck Vineyard winery in Sonoma, along with their cute little doggy who is a member of the Halleck Vineyard dog club. The women take in the beautiful views of the earth and savor the delicious taste of seafood paired perfectly with the Sauvignon Blanc. They also learned about the art of winemaking from the expert winemakers at Halleck Vineyard while enjoying artisanal cheese and participating in an auction to benefit the local community.

A group of girlfriends enjoying Russian River Valley Sauvignon Blanc at Halleck Vineyard winery in Sonoma, along with their cute little doggy who is a member of the Halleck Vineyard dog club. The women take in the beautiful views of the earth and savor the delicious taste of seafood paired perfectly with the Sauvignon Blanc. They also learned about the art of winemaking from the expert winemakers at Halleck Vineyard while enjoying artisanal cheese and participating in an auction to benefit the local community.

Guests enjoy the annual Wine Harvest Party at Halleck Vineyard's estate winery in Sebastopol, featuring live music, delicious food and wine pairings, and a chance to mingle with local winemakers. The event also included a silent auction of rare and collectible wines, as well as artisanal cheeses and fresh seafood from the nearby bay. Attendees were able to experience the earthy aromas of the vineyard and the stunning views of the surrounding valley, while sipping on the winery's award-winning wines, including their sparkling and white wine selections.

Guests enjoy the annual Wine Harvest Party at Halleck Vineyard's estate winery in Sebastopol, featuring live music, delicious food and wine pairings, and a chance to mingle with local winemakers. The event also included a silent auction of rare and collectible wines, as well as artisanal cheeses and fresh seafood from the nearby bay. Attendees were able to experience the earthy aromas of the vineyard and the stunning views of the surrounding valley, while sipping on the winery's award-winning wines, including their sparkling and white wine selections.

Top executives from Spire Animation Studios, P.J. Gunsagar and Brad Lewis, joined Ross Halleck at a recent wine tasting event at The Amarano Hotel in Los Angeles, California. The event offered guests the opportunity to sample the latest white and red wine releases from Halleck Vineyard's Russian River Valley and Sonoma Coast vineyards. As the trio raised their glasses in a toast, they couldn't help but marvel at the expert craftsmanship and complex flavors of the wines they were enjoying. The event, which was held at a chic wine bar in the heart of Hollywood, was just one of many wine tastings and events that Halleck Vineyard has hosted across the state. From vineyards in Sonoma to wine bars in Los Angeles, Halleck Vineyard's wines have become a favorite of spirits enthusiasts across California. With accolades from top restaurants and wineries, it's clear that Halleck Vineyard is a force to be reckoned with in the world of wine. As Gunsagar, Lewis, and Halleck savored each sip of their drink, they couldn't help but feel grateful for the vineyards, wineries, and restaurants that have made California a destination for wine lovers around the world. And with each bottle of Halleck Vineyard's premium wines, they were reminded of the incredible skill and dedication that goes into every sip.

Top executives from Spire Animation Studios, P.J. Gunsagar and Brad Lewis, joined Ross Halleck at a wine tasting event at The Amarano Hotel in Los Angeles, California.

Halleck Vineyard Inner Circle wine club members enjoyed a delightful lunch in the lush garden of the Sonoma winery estate. Against a picturesque backdrop of rolling hills and sprawling vineyards, members relished the winery's finest wines, paired perfectly with a delectable selection of seasonal dishes. This exclusive event was just one of many perks offered to the Inner Circle, a membership program providing access to limited reserve wines, preferred pricing, private events, and more.

Halleck Vineyard Inner Circle wine club members enjoyed a delightful lunch in the lush garden of the Sonoma winery estate. Against a picturesque backdrop of rolling hills and sprawling vineyards, members relished the winery's finest wines, paired perfectly with a delectable selection of seasonal dishes. This exclusive event was just one of many perks offered to the Inner Circle, a membership program providing access to limited reserve wines, preferred pricing, private events, and more.

Old and new friends gather for a picturesque lunch on the deck at a winery overlooking the Russian River Valley and Mt. Helena in Napa Valley. The breathtaking views, paired with delicious food and wine, make for an unforgettable experience. Whether it's a reunion or a first-time meeting, the convivial atmosphere fosters connection and friendship. The winery's commitment to creating an inviting space for guests to gather and enjoy the best that the California wine industry has to offer is evident in every aspect of the event.

Old and new friends gather for a picturesque lunch on the deck at a winery overlooking the Russian River Valley and Mt. Helena in Napa Valley. The breathtaking views, paired with delicious food and wine, make for an unforgettable experience. Whether it's a reunion or a first-time meeting, the convivial atmosphere fosters connection and friendship. The winery's commitment to creating an inviting space for guests to gather and enjoy the best that the California wine industry has to offer is evident in every aspect of the event.

The Halleck Vineyard winery is a renowned destination for wine enthusiasts seeking to experience the finest wines, breathtaking landscapes, and exceptional hospitality. The winery regularly hosts a range of events, including festivals, tastings, and wine pairing dinners, making it a must-visit destination on any wine lover's calendar. One of the most popular events at the Halleck Vineyard winery is the annual wine festival, which showcases the winery's finest wines and features live music performances, delicious food, and stunning views of the surrounding vineyards. The festival attracts visitors from all over the world, and wine club members are given preferential access to exclusive tastings, private events, and other special perks. In addition to the festival, the winery hosts a variety of events throughout the year, including barrel tastings, vineyard tours, and winemaker dinners. These events offer visitors the opportunity to explore the winery's production process, taste the wines straight from the barrel, and learn from the winemakers themselves. The Halleck Vineyard winery is also home to a range of art and cultural events, including live jazz performances, art exhibitions, and cultural festivals. Visitors can enjoy a glass of their favorite wine while soaking in the art and culture of California's wine country. For those looking for a more immersive experience, the winery offers a variety of accommodations, including a luxury hotel and private guest cottages, allowing visitors to fully experience the beauty and charm of the California wine country. Whether you're a seasoned wine enthusiast or a first-time visitor, the Halleck Vineyard winery is an unforgettable destination that offers something for everyone. With its stunning scenery, award-winning wines, and exceptional hospitality, it's no wonder that the winery is a top-rated destination in the Napa Valley wine region.

One of the most popular events at the Halleck Vineyard winery is the annual wine festival, which showcases the winery's finest wines and features live music performances, delicious food, and stunning views of the surrounding vineyards.

Ross Halleck delights in creating extraordinary opportunities to build community through wine, and his wine dinners are just one of the ways Halleck Vineyard brings their wine club members together.

Exclusive wine and food pairing dinner featuring Escargots Persillade with garlic herb butter and 2022 Halleck Vineyards Little Sister Sauvignon Blanc, Russian River Valley (267 case produced).

Pinot Noir food pairing tips from Michael Doliniski

Ross Halleck shares Dry White Zinfandel Rose with bloggers Alicia Chew and Jessica Moore.

Ross Halleck shares his Dry White Zinfandel Rose with style bloggers Alicia Chew and Jessica Moore.

Friends enjoying the new signature Chardonnay from Halleck Vineyard.

Sonoma wine tasting accommodations at the Halleck Vineyard Wine Lodge.

Sonoma wine tasting accommodations at the Halleck Vineyard Wine Lodge.

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Best Wine for Thanksgiving: How to Choose

By Eric Schwartzman | October 30, 2025

Justin Herbinet of New York’s National Arts Club shares his philosophy for pairing wines with Thanksgiving dinner — and reminds us that gratitude pairs best with the bottles you already love.

The dining room at the National Arts Club glows with the amber light of late afternoon. Stemware catches the sun from Gramercy Park as Justin Herbinet circles a table, pouring a ruby-red Gamay into half-filled glasses. The air smells faintly of roasted beets and wood polish.…

Ross Halleck in the Wine Talks Podcast

Ross Halleck on the Mystical Power of Sonoma Wines

By Eric Schwartzman | July 17, 2025

Exploring the spirit of wine from Sebastopol’s fog-kissed coastal hills

If you’ve ever cruised down Burnside Road just west of downtown Sebastopol, passing sheep-dotted pastures and groves of redwood and eucalyptus, you’ve already begun to experience the quiet mystique of Halleck Vineyard. In a recent episode of Wine Talks with Paul K, Ross Halleck—founder of Halleck Vineyard Estate Winery & Wine Tasting Room at 3785 Burnside Rd—joined host Paul K. for a conversation that ranged from his Silicon Valley past to his spiritual present among the vines of West Sonoma.…

Russian River to East River: Sharing West Sonoma County Wines with Gramercy Park’s Cultural Elite

By Ross Halleck | June 26, 2025

Last week, I ventured from Halleck Vineyard Winery and Wine Tasting Room in Sonoma to the Sculptor Garden Room of the historic National Arts Club in Manhattan’s Gramercy Park to pour our California wines for a room full of artists, philanthropists, and musicians. It was my second Sonoma Wine Education Seminar at the club, and it was completely full—oversold, in fact.

I designed this event with intention: shorter than a traditional vintner dinner, more welcoming to people with all levels of wine knowledge,…

A Toast to Hospitality: Pouring My Russian River Pinot at Gramercy Tavern

By Ross Halleck | June 20, 2025

Last night, I had the honor of pouring my wines for the team at Gramercy Tavern, a Michelin Star Restaurant in New York City that has been serving our wines for over a decade.

For a winemaker, there are few experiences more gratifying than sharing varietals and vintages with professionals who understand the nuances of food, service, and hospitality at the highest level. And Gramercy Tavern — one of the most celebrated restaurants in America — sets the gold standard.…

Ross Halleck shares his acclaimed estate grown Pinot Noir at a wine tasting for guests on the deck at Halleck Vineyard.

The Forgotten Entheogen: A New Way of Experiencing Wine

By Ross Halleck | June 14, 2025

For most of my career, I’ve talked about wine through the lens of flavor, food, and family. But over the last few years, something shifted for me. I began to ask a deeper question: What if wine could be more than a drink? What if it could be a spiritual tool?

That question led me down a path I didn’t expect.

I’ve spent decades exploring sacred plant medicine traditions — in Peru, with ayahuasca and shamanic ceremonies,…

Wine Tasting FAQ with Sonoma Vintner Ross Halleck

By Eric Schwartzman | December 9, 2024

For anyone planning a trip to Sonoma or simply curious about the wine tasting experience, award-winning winemaker Ross Halleck of Halleck Vineyard in Sebastopol, answers your most pressing wine tasting questions.

Drawing on years of expertise in Sonoma’s celebrated Russian River Valley, Ross offers practical tips and insider knowledge for a memorable tasting experience.

Ross Halleck on the deck of our Wine Lodge surrounded by our estate Pinot Noir Vineyard in West Sonoma County.…

Sonoma Wine Tasting Review 2024: Exploring Halleck Vineyard’s Current Releases

By Eric Schwartzman | October 23, 2024

In this Sonoma wine tasting video with Ross Halleck, vintner at Halleck Vineyard, and Harris Miner, the winery’s director of wine education, share tasting notes on their latest releases, offering viewers an informative look at the distinctive varietals produced from Sonoma County’s acclaimed American Viticultural Areas (AVAs).

The pair guide us through the wines with careful attention to the nuances of each, providing an educational perspective on how the region’s terroir influences flavor profiles.…

Wine as Plant Medicine

By Virginia Piazza | August 29, 2024

Wine is dynamic.

Euphemisms include elixir of the gods, social lubricant, poetry in a bottle, and (penned by Ernest Hemingway) the most civilized thing in the world. Less romantic monikers describe it as glogg, plonk, Jesus juice, and porch-pounder.

Wine is rife with evocative metaphor. It can be dry, flabby, cloying, chewy, racy, or a fruit bomb. It can have great legs, impressive structure, a round mouthfeel, even a clean finish. Its aroma can suggest bright red berries,…

Wine tastings at Halleck Vineyard in the Sebastopol area of Sonoma County hosts intimate wine tasting salons for up 16 guests by reservation only.

Wine Tasting Sonoma Style – Choosing Wineries, Tasting Rooms, and Vineyards for a Wine Tasting Weekend in Sonoma

By Averi Melcher | March 21, 2024

Looking for the best wine tasting Sonoma has to offer?

Whether it’s a romantic getaway, a girls’/guys’ vineyard tour weekend, or a family event, we’ll narrow down the best wine tasting Sonoma, California has to fit your preferences. 

When visiting Northern California’s majestic wine country, you want to get the most out of your wine tour. But you’ve only got one weekend. And with over 600 vineyards spread amongst various rural neighborhoods,…

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