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.

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.

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.

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 Prices Up 11% Countywide

By Eric Schwartzman | July 26, 2023

The entry-level price of a Sonoma wine tasting rose 11% from $36 in 2022 to $40 in 2023. Adjusting for those cities with at least 15 wineries in the sample, we found that prices in Sebastopol increased the most at 27%, from an average of $37.36 in 2022, to $47.50 in 2023.

While the 27% jump in Sebastopol is massive, the actual price increase of $10 is less than the price of one movie theater ticket or a quick-service restaurant meal.…

Top 7 Russian River Valley Wineries to Visit

By Scott Butterfield | June 7, 2023

The Russian River Valley has a viticulture history unlike any other in California. Grapevines were first planted by immigrants from the Mediterranean region in the 19th century. Most were “gardens” that families used for personal consumption, using cuttings brought from their European homesteads. This is how Zinfandel, now a flagship US grape, first appeared in the country. By the early 20th century over 200 wineries were in operation. However, Prohibition devastated the nascent winemaking industry. Nearly all wineries closed.…

Best Pinot Noir Wine: 15 Bottles to Try Right Now (2023 UPDATE)

By Averi Melcher | June 7, 2023

Want to experience the best Pinot Noir wine this world has to offer? Pinot Noirs that are so bold and fruity you might mistake them for Syrahs? Then we have the perfect list for you – our favorite bottles of Pinot Noir from Sonoma County, California. While the average wine drinker might be focused on Pinot Noir pairings, whether Pinot Noir is sweet or dry, or the differences between Pinot Noir vs Cabernet Sauvignon. …

Wine Club Gathers for Los Angeles Wine Tasting at Amarano

By Eric Schwartzman | April 11, 2023

Winemaker Ross Halleck of Halleck Vineyard has always believed in the power of wine to bring people together and build communities. To this end, he has been tirelessly promoting his wines beyond the borders of Sonoma County, seeking to share his passion for exceptional Sonoma Pinot Noir with a broader audience.

Ross hosted a wine-tasting event for his Inner Circle Wine Club members and hotel guests at The Amarano in Burbank, California,…

Wine Wars: Tasting Showdown Between French Wine and California Wine at Bar Boulud

By Scott Butterfield | April 10, 2023

What goes better with French food? French wines or California wines? Winemaker Ross Halleck of Halleck Vineyard in Sonoma County collaborated with Bar Boulud Sommelier Victoria Taylor in Manhattan on a private vintner dinner to find out.

They compared 4 award-winning, small-production California wines from the Halleck Vineyard boutique Sonoma winery in the West Sonoma County town of Sebastopol with 5 French wines, all carefully paired with contemporary French dishes from one of the most celebrated French chefs in America.…

Experience the beauty of sustainable viticulture, where environmental regulation meets grape-growing innovation. Our winegrowers utilize biodynamic practices, and our vineyards are USDA certified. From the red wines of California to the biodynamic wines of Austria, our commitment to sustainability is evident in every glass. By reducing food waste and practicing sustainable farming, we are leading the way towards a more sustainable future. #sustainability #iso14001 #winegrowing #environmentalregulation #biodynamicwines #usda #grapes #californiawines #austrianwines #olivetrees #foodwaste #winegrower

Sustainable Wineries: The Future of Wine Production

By Scott Butterfield | March 14, 2023

The wine industry has long been at the forefront of sustainable farming. Long before organic became a buzzword, eco-friendly California winemakers in highly respected regions like Sonoma County became ambassadors for climate protection through stakeholder engagement. The rise of the sustainable winery, carbon accounting, and climate-neutral viticulture are their responses to the decades of depletion and contamination that pesticides and commercial fertilizers have caused.

Table of Contents

Sustainable Wineries
Sustainable Viticulture
What is Sustainable Wine? …

Pour Decisions: Favorite Sonoma Biodynamic, Organic or Natural Wines

By Scott Butterfield | February 20, 2023

Natural wine and organic wines are rising in popularity.

Despite the wide-ranging and heated discussions around natural and organic wine, ultimately, the difference, here in the US, is quite simple.

Organic wine is certified by the FDA. Natural wine is not.

This is just fine for many passionate, anti-authoritarian, and raucous natural wine community members who suspect the futility of effective government regulation. The initial cost of organic certification (around $6,000), the price of annual inspections required to maintain certification,…

Romantic Wineries in Sonoma for Lovers

By Elizabeth Kate | January 31, 2023

Thanks to the ample rains from the heavens, Sonoma Valley vineyards are teeming with life. What could be better than a romantic wine tasting getaway in Sonoma? It’s time to get creative with your amorous planning.

But with a wealth of wonderful Sonoma wineries and hillside screaming out with abundant greenery, it may be challenging to pick and choose the most romantic wine tasting rooms.

Not to worry!

No need to blindly search for a ‘romantic winery near me’…

Wine Tasting Masterclass in Burgundy France with Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.

2023 Wine Festival Calendar

By Scott Butterfield | January 18, 2023

We scoured the web to put together this 2023 Wine Festival Calendar. It features 16 California Wine Festivals (including the big event in Santa Barbara), Nantucket, Oregon, and Colorado wine festivals, plus a wine festival reopening in France. All the festivals serve food, but these are true wine festivals, organized to appeal to aspiring wine enthusiasts and serious wine collectors.

Now a lot has changed, but one thing remains the same. We still enjoy gathering together to share our passion about wine with others.…