Every year, we host a party at the winery called our Next Generation Harvest Party. It is a way to introduce our wines to the next generation of Hafner patrons. Last Saturday, we welcomed 130 Next Gen-ers to the Grove for a fun afternoon. Next Gen-ers tasted various wines, sampled local and homemade snacks, played corn hole, shared their stories on the communal table and even learned about wine.

To make wine more approachable, we offered three classes. We were honored that Little Saint’s wine director Laurel Livezey shared her tips on how to choose wine from a wine list at a restaurant and how she crafts her list. Sarah Hafner (the best taster in the house) taught people how to taste wine and notice aromas and flavors. Winemaker Parke Hafner explained how we make sparkling wine and even shared a small taste of the soon-to-be-released 2021 Blanc de Blancs.

The party is always a highlight of the Fall for us. We meet many new people as well as see longtime friends. At the end of each party, Scott Hafner asks people to raise their hand whether they are the first, second or third generation in their family to purchase Hafner wine. This year we had 12 people(!) who were from the third generation in their family to enjoy Hafner wine. Since we sell our wine direct to people at home, we are deeply honored that our wine has been passed down through the generations.

Thank you to the Next Gen-ers who joined us on Saturday and for all Next Gen-ers who have joined us over the past 12 years and spread the word about our wines. We appreciate it. 

Next Gen-ers tend to be between 21 and 45 years old with an interest in wine. If you know someone who fits that description and might like to be included in the future, please email me their names and email addresses. We would be happy to add them to our list! Everyone who attends is welcome to bring a guest or two.

Here are some highlights from the day: