Barrel fermented Chardonnay is one of the techniques we use at Hafner Vineyard, typical of Burgundian white wines. Unlike tank-fermented Chardonnay (traditional of California), which highlights bright fruit aromas like citrus, tropical fruit, and melon, barrel fermentation adds layers of complexity, creating a richer mouthfeel, creamy texture, and subtle oak notes from the barrels like vanilla, toast, and roasted nuts. Learn more from Winemaker Parke Hafner.

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Forty years ago, we began our internship program with an agricultural school in Toulouse, France. This year, we welcomed Raphaël Gleize to the winery and our home. He arrived in time for bottling and has been helping with Harvest. He went backpacking with us and has become part of our family, learning the importance of a good iced vanilla latte and reminding us that a cheese board is a requirement to any lunch. Raphaël's internship is nearly over, so we wanted to share a few highlights from his time here. We look forward to continuing our friendship with him both here and in France. 

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In June, we launched the Summer Smiles Photograph Contest and here at the winners! Captured are anniversaries, proposals, weddings, family reunions, milestone birthdays, evenings with neighbors and friends, elegant galas supporting community organizations, the relaxing moments out on the water, plus a quiet afternoon in the backyard hammock. Patrons from coast to coast, north to south, shared memories of their Summer fun.

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At Hafner Vineyard, sustainability is at the heart of everything we do from our solar array and electric tractor to the packaging choices we make. Recently, you may have noticed that our Chardonnay bottles look a little darker. That’s because darker glass contains more recycled content, helping us reduce our carbon footprint by using fewer raw materials and less energy. We’ve long sourced American-made bottles to cut transportation emissions and support domestic manufacturing, and we’re also exploring lighter weight bottles to further lower shipping impacts. Since 1982, our Chardonnay has stayed the same. Now, the only difference is that the bottle it comes in is better for the planet.

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As a family business, I am pleased to announce that our younger daughter, Grace Hafner, is joining our winemaking team this August. She moved to Bordeaux in 2017 where she earned a Masters in Vineyard and Winery Management from Bordeaux Sciences Agro. Following internships at Château les Carmes Haut-Brion in Bordeaux and Château Marquis de Terme in Margaux, she worked for five years at Domaine de la Solitude and Château Lespault-Martillac in Martillac where she was the Maître de Chai. 

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