Hamel

Hamel was our favorite winery out of our Sonoma/Napa trip! James was our guide and he made the experience great. He was attentive but also gave us space to enjoy our time together. Love that their wines are organic. Their process was the most interesting to hear about. We enjoyed the bites, tasting and the walk around the property and caves. We’ll definitely be back!

Exquisite. We did a private tasting and tour in the morning. The first thing you notice is the absolutely stunning facility and view out over the fields with the mountainous backdrop. Every wine we tried, both red and whites, were so effervescent, lean, and crisp. Shout-out to James, our guide, who was knowledgeable, witty, and easy to converse with. If we lived nearby I would become a member.

Wow what an incredible experience! We enjoyed the wine & food pairing at Hamel in their cave. This experience was truly a treat! Their team is amazing, incredibly knowledgeable, kind, and attentive. We enjoyed our tour of the cave followed by a perfectly curated 5 course tasting menu. If you’re looking for an amazing experience while in Sonoma this is certainly it.

I'm thrilled to share my exceptional experience at Hamel Wines, where my wife and I celebrated our 16th anniversary on February 24. From the moment we called to book our visit, Ashley's warm and accommodating nature set the tone for a truly unforgettable experience. Our server, Robert Whistler, was outstanding, and James added to the exceptional service. We enjoyed a delightful bottle of your 2018 Pinot Noir, which was perfectly complemented by the intimate lobby seating area with breathtaking views of the vineyards and Sonoma Valley mountains. The ambiance was surreal, and we felt so relaxed and happy to be there. We decided to indulge in a bottle of your reserve Sauvignon Blanc, which exceeded our expectations. The wine was exquisite – crisp, light, and refreshing, with perfect chilling. Robert and James's service was top-notch, and Ashley checked in to ensure everything was to our liking. I would give Hamel Wines 10 stars if I could! The experience was even better than our first visit, and we're already looking forward to returning. A huge thank you to Ashley, Robert, and James for making our anniversary celebration truly special. We can't wait to come back and enjoy more of your exceptional wines."

WOW this place is spectacular. Must go. MAGIC! Been for the stargazing and oh my gosh…See the video of the moon through the telescope!!! Totally magical. They also do their care of the land and vines aligned with the MOON 🌕 working with cattle and quartz crystals… This Spot is magical and the best wine I’ve ever had in my life. Also magical and beautiful during the day. Huge gratitude. Can’t wait to return again :)

This winery and experience blew me away! Of all our winery visits in Sonoma, this one was by far the best. The wine was delicious, the views were great and the tour of the wine cave was very cool. Definitely worth the time and money.

We became members after only one visit. Hamel is an extremely special winery with exceptional service, unique varieties, and stunning architecture. The attention to detail given to every aspect of our tasting experience was unparalleled. Cannot more strongly recommend. If you have a choice in sommelier, ask for Richard!

Just spent a great afternoon at Hamel tasting their fantastic wines and touring their property. Jason was our guide and did a phenomenal job explaining the wines and the history of Hamel. It was an approachable experience that didn’t feel rushed, but was well curated. Needless to say we signed up for a membership and will be back!

Hamel Family Wines did us right! Their space is modern, beautiful and the seating offers a view of their scenic vineyards. I appreciated that this wasn't an overcrowded winery and that the seating was comfortable. Reds like Cabernet Sauvignon, Grenache, Zinfandel and their blends are Hamel's specialities. I ended up leaving with a Zinfandel and an Isthmus Cabernet. The Isthmus is a unique varietal and caught my palate. We were looking for a winery to add to our Sonoma trip and I was happy that we found Hamel because it ended up being one of the best wine experiences we visited that trip.

Beautiful vineyard, enjoyable and knowledgeable host, amazing wine!! I try to make Sonoma a regular rotation in my long weekend getaways. My last trip I booked a tasting in their Estate House and WOW!! I highly recommend to book their Estate Room for your tasting. It was private, beautiful and what a view! I admit, I never heard of Hamel before but after spending a few hours enjoying their wines, I fell in love!

Hamel Family Wines provides guests with an elevated tasting experience unlike any other. Our estate ambassador, Zakk, was welcoming, courteous and knowledgable. We couldn't have asked for a better guide. The property is stunning; the estate house an architectural marvel. Touring the cave was a fascinating and unique experience, we really enjoyed learning about the different fermentation methods used at the winery. We opted for the Reserve Experience and were very impressed. It was a private, seated affair located in the study at the center of the estate house with enormous glass doors open to the most incredible view of the vineyard, mountains, and sky. I was expecting a series of amuse bouche served alongside the collection of wines we were sampling, but really, it was more like a multi-course meal at a fine restaurant. Our phenomenal chef came out to describe each dish. The experience was truly extraordinary; the staff made our visit so special for us. We felt like royalty. Hamel is definitely on the short list of best wineries in California wine country, if not THE best.

This was the last reservation for the birthday tasting tour. We made reservations in advance for a private tasting in the caves. Let me say, this place is sexy! At the entrance gate you have to be buzzed in to access the property, the large moniker gate slowly swings open yo reveal the vineyard. It features sleek, modern, pristine vibes. Most wineries we visited felt homey, classic and rustic, not this place! It's perfect place for a nice date, I know I'd be impressed if a man took me here! It was cold when we visited, but that fire place in the main lounge was roaring. So classy! Our guide escorted us to the cave for our tasting. Even the cave was tidy! Concrete finish along the walls, temp controlled, just immaculate! The tasting room was a nice touch of opulence. I appreciated the tasting came with light bites of cheese and crackers, by this time we were pretty hungry from drinking all day. Only downside really is that you have to walk all the way back to the front entrance to use the bathroom, and when you're wearing heels it becomes quite the walk. Would definitely come back for a glass of wine. My wine score is based solely for my palette which favors whites and light reds. Rating is based on how much I enjoyed the tasting overall. 5/10 Ambiance 10/10!!! Customer service 9/10

This is an amazing experience. Emily is a wonderful and talented guide as a sommelier. This tasting is worth every penny. The setting is beautiful too.

BALLIN! This was one hell of an experience. Spring for the more expensive experience at this one stop, and you will not be disappointed. The structure is very modern, sleek, and gorgeous. The few of the vines along the valley are breathtaking. And the wines backed those first impressions up. Nice big reds with a lot of complexity. We tasted a few bottles that came from only a few hundred cases, so it was very exclusive. Additionally, and this might sound weird since its all about the wine, the french onion dip for snacking on was by far the best dip I've ever tasted in my life. Absolute top notch experience; Lea was an outstanding host.

This place is magical !! We made reservations which you have to have if you want to come here . I love how this building is tucked away from the road and looks up at the hill side . Ok let's get to the wine phenomenal wine at this establishment ! We love reds so this was the place to come . We got to go inside to see where they store the wine . It took 2 years for them to dig out the side of the hill side which is mindblowing when you walk inside ! If your going wine tasting make sure this place is on your list to go to

Excellent day at Hamel with the food and wine paring hosted by Dante. Brilliant cabs, beautiful caves and peaceful tasting room. 5-star tasting parings. Highly recommend.

Wow, what an experience. We did two wineries and the other (not to be named) didn't even come close to the service and quality we received at Hamel Family Wines. Immediately after we pulled into the parking lot, a host greeted us by name! What? Say what? She showed us to our table which was located right next to their floor to ceiling glass window overlooking the vineyard and situated near the toasty fire place. When we opened the menu, what did we find inside? "HAPPY BIRTHDAY ROBERT!" These small personal touches don't take a lot but make customers feel incredibly special. The tasting came with a complimentary tour of the grounds and the wine cellar/cave. WOW! This alone is worth the tasting. Seeing where all the action takes place is incredibly educational and eye opening. Also, kudos to our host. She had so much knowledge on the grape harvesting, wine making, and geology of the area that plays into the flavor of the wines.

Had the pleasure of attending a concert with a few coworkers at Hamel Family Wines. I've always heard great things about the wines and views but Hamel knocked it out of the park for me. Located in Kenwood, Hamel Family Wines offers an array of wines fit to please any taste palette. While I know this winery isn't open after dark I fell more in love with the views and ambiance after sunset. Can't wait to be back with friends and family.

We had an appointment to taste. We showed up a bit early and the interior was empty. The woman in charge made us sit out front until our table was ready. It was so rude, the place was empty

Truly a fabulous experience with outstanding hospitality. Robert was our host who took care of our group with grace, exceptional knowledge of wine and the history of the property with an emphasis on farming and winemaking. From start to finish, his hospitality made us feel special and cared for. The rest of the staff that stopped by to say hello to our group was equally gracious and welcoming. My favorite wines included the Sauvignon Blanc/Semillon blend which had great balance of freshness, structure, and length. The Grenache was leaner but still aromatically lifted. I loved the Armor Plate Zinfandel which come from vines planted in the 1880's. Lastly, the Nun's Canyon Cabernet was distinct, expressive of site and variety and also showed great balance of fruit and judicious use of oak. We thoroughly enjoyed our experience and would recommend Hamel to wine-lovers who want an elevated experience in Sonoma.

One of my all time favorite wineries in the wine country, and I've probably been to 30-40 wineries over the years. The wine is OUTSTANDING, the property breathtaking, the tasting room very tastefully decorated, and lastly the service warm & welcoming. Not a single thing I don't like! We've been here twice and did the estate experience first and reserve experience second. The estate experience was a very good way to get to know the range of wines this winery offers, and they offered some small bites. The reserve experience with food was very good - the food was almost at Michelin level and the four red wines they offer were simply exquisite. However, the food was too small portioned to be a meal. The range of wines were also way more expensive. If I could only choose 1, I would start off with the estate experience. The Pamelita wine is probably my all-time favorite red wine. The first time I drank it I thought I went to heaven. Just so delicious. This is a winery we'll go back to!

Going to this winery was the standout experience for me in a week long trip to SF. The architecture and scenery was gorgeous. I also appreciated how they don't overbook and make sure there's plenty of space and time to enjoy your tastings. The whole experience felt very elevated and personalized and I appreciated small details like our last name being printed on the wine tasting menu, and the Hamel branded glass bottles of water they sent us out with. We happily bought two wines to take back with us.

One of the prettiest estates I've ever seen. Got to tour in the caves and the tasting was in their library, which was incredible. The service was great and wines were very good. It was interesting learning about how sustainable their farming practices and operations are.

Wow. It's not often you go somewhere the first time and immediately want to join their wine club! But, this wine was phenomenal, the ambassador/tour guide was fantastic, and the property and location was gorgeous. We'll be back!

The views were nice but we had been up in the hills of the moon mountain area prior so it's a difficult comparison. Our host seemed to rush us through the tour part. She lightened up through the tasting so that was good. We liked a few of their wines so we joined the club to get the savings. We thought the wine was pretty expensive compared to other wines we bought that we thought were better (personal opinion). I will say the 2015 Pamelita Reserve Cab was very good so we had to spring for that one! Overall, I guess we just didn't feel super comfortable there. We want to relax and enjoy the wine when we go tasting and we weren't feeling it.

Please be careful dealing with this winery! I canceled my reservation for October and after 2 months they have yet to refund my $645. I've wasted a lot of time on the phone and via email to no avail.

This wine tasting and tour made Lisa's birthday celebration magical. When your besty's bday falls on a weekday, you request leave from work to celebrate with her. This was truly worthwhile! Planning in advance, it was easy to make a reservation. It's a beautiful drive into Sonoma and as soon as we parked, we were warmly greeted by none other than George Hamel, III. Upon check in, he escorted us to our table which was already set for our arrival. Complete with personalized birthday memorabilia for Lisa. Such a classy touch! As Mr. Hamel led us on their winery tour, we could see how they all observed covid rules....each private party had their own assigned host. Even in passing, no one was closer than six feet. In fact, everyone wore required masks until they reached their private table for the wine tasting. As Mr. Hamel wrapped up the tour and we headed back to our table, overlooking the lush vineyard, we passed by their cute herb garden. He explained that their executive chef prepares dishes with fresh herbs. At the table, all of our pours were protected with dainty glass covers so pesky things don't fly in. Our tasting started with a lovely chardonnay and Mr. Hamel brought us fresh baked bread with an amazing truffle butter and olive oil. We were so honored to hear about their family operation. We learned a lot about the robust flavors and unique blends. We had joyous conversation with Mr. Hamel including lots of laughter, making for a memorable experience for sure. #ThankYou kindly, we had a lovely time!

Fantastic experience. Reservations required. Probably the best wines I've sampled in Sonoma. Beautiful atmosphere and magnificent views. More expensive than most tastings but you get what you pay for.

What a fun experience at Hamel Family Wines. Considering how upscale this winery is, I was expecting it to be a bit stuffy but our host was great! Upon arriving, our host greeted us at our car. I cannot emphasize enough how great he was...unprompted...taking pictures for us and suggesting spots to take pics. He even would take different angles and change the camera modes (and wore gloves). The location and building are absolutely gorgeous, as are the individual tasting rooms! We went with the food and wine pairing and really enjoyed our time there. At the end, they give you cute glass water bottles.

The wine is phenomenal, but unfortunately the host was extremely salesy and disrespectful (even noting that people pay $15k when they visit, implying we were cheap guests??) I loved the wine but please never go here - there are incredible places to visit in Sonoma!

Great property but okay wine and mediocre customer service. We signed up for their wine club after being impressed by the property. We made multiple attempts to go back to enjoy the space but they seemed to never be available on the dates we requested. Then when we asked what dates were available, they never replied and left us hanging. I would recommend going to enjoy the space but avoid at all cost signing up for a membership.

Hamel Family Wines is far from your average Sonoma valley winery. With enchanting vineyard views, superior wines, and the most impeccable service, you'll be swept away by this unique wine tasting experience. We were invited to taste at Hamel by a few of our friends who are members, and let me just say that they've truly raised the bar. From the very first moment that I laid eyes on their estate, I was entranced. The views will take your breath away. Literally. The outside grounds are set high up on the hill allowing for 360 degree views of beautiful Sonoma valley. On a nice day, it'll feel like you're looking at a postcard. It's just that perfect. I should also mention that the building is comprised of glass, so the great views won't stop once you enter the tasting room. Speaking of the tasting room, might I say... exquisite?! It's beautifully set with the most dapper décor and the atmosphere is sophisticated but yet extremely relaxing. Comfy couches and great company are always a great mix if you ask me. If you have the luxury of experiencing a tasting in their library room, do it! You will have the entire room to yourself and you'll be able to indulge in their finest selections. The cave tour is also a must during your visit! On the way to the cave, you'll pass by their adorable gardens where they actually grow many of the fruits and vegetables that they use in their kitchen. The cave is stunning! It's well lit and poses as a great little hiding place if you're looking to escape the sweltering heat. It's lined with barrels and features the famous "egg" that's located at the end of the cave. We spent the majority of our time in the tasting room where we enjoyed several splashes of delicious wine along with a beautifully plated cheese and charcuterie plate. Marty was our sommelier and he did an excellent job hosting our group. He was knowledgeable, cordial, witty; everything that an amazing Wine Steward should be! Now let's talk about these wines; FABULOUS! I enjoyed each and every wine that I tasted. Their 2015 Armor Plate Vineyard Zinfandel was simply fantastic and right up my alley. I've taken a strong liking to Zins as of late, and Hamel's Zin did not disappoint. Also impressive was their rose! And let me tell you, I'm not a fan of rose wine... but I kinda sorta loved this one. Very light, citrusy, and refreshing. A perfect sipping wine, a perfect summer wine; just a perfect wine in general. Executive chef Clinton really worked his magic by executing his brilliantly plated cheese and charcuterie plate! Every piece of cheese, every nut, and every slice of meat tasted amazing and paired effortlessly with the wines we had. Dawn was so welcoming to our group and we truly appreciated her hospitality. All in all, Hamel Wines offers a one of kind experience that you must experience. They're by appointment only, but you should definitely book that appointment. I promise that it will be worth it.

We were able to go in and buy some which was perfectly fine with us. The service needs a lot of work because they were rushing us in and out but showed no respect that we were consumer purchasing their products. There's no need to act snobby when you work in customer service. We were all excited to visit the winery but not sure if we will be back after our experience.

Beautiful winery but horrible service. Snobby workers. Maybe they're all friends or never went anywhere else but treat ppl nicely when they are spending money there. hire new staff. I hope someone sees this review from there

You had me at Rosé! It was love at first sight or SIP! In life, everything happens for a reason. Dynamic duo hubby and wife Lisa and Ruben suggested we check out Hamel Family Wines (HFW) when I mentioned how much I love their rosé, as hubby's vendor gave me a bottle once. Hamel is by appointment only and tough to get into, but one call from Lisa and voila! Talk about exclusive; they don't let anybody in for good reason(s)...keep it that way. As we were greeted by hospitality manager Dawn Agnew aka wonder woman at HFW, we found out our kids went to school together - helloooo what a small world! My husband and Dawn have helped out at several of the school fundraisers/galas, while I was sipping vino at home LOL! She also invited Gary Danko to our very first fundraiser in Sausalito - score! https://www.yelp.com/user_photos?select=4V-0hNt6n4tAUfovKgx8sg&userid=5UDpc2CMOgbf3GePS6SGVA Anyway, let me start by saying how amazing this winery is. The views are stunning and the architecture is remarkable. You never want to leave this place. It's family-owned for many generations, and the wines are exceptional. Do the cave tour and book a private tasting inside, check out their adorable garden; it's all about farm-to-table. We had the pleasure of meeting Chef Clinton Huntsman, who has worked with chefs Thomas Keller and Cindy Pawlcyn. He's in charge of the culinary program, curating food + wine pairings for visitors/menus/private events; he does it all. Everything is phenomenal, can't wait to come back with my gal pals and have a blast (again)! Thank you Marty, Dawn and Clinton for the warm hospitality. A glass of rosé keeps the doctor away...wink, wink! 'Til we meet again ~ cheers & see you on Yelp (SYOY)!

Without a doubt and hyperbole the best wine tasting experience I've ever had! First, the ambiance: first rate and very stylishly modern!! There are huge windows, massive and beautiful views on their vineyards and the valley, with a tasting area that is very sleek but refined. We also took a tour of their cellar and even that was an architectural wonder! Our wine guide or ambassador was Zakk and he was excellent!!! Not just very knowledgeable but very, very personable and down to earth with a nice balance of not hovering but also checking in if we had everything we needed. He mentioned he'd been in the industry for awhile and it showed in the best possible way. But wow, the star was the wine! We had the Collectors experience and frankly it was worth it. The pours were a good amount and enough to mix and pair with the items from the charcuterie board provided! The quality of the snacks/fare from the board and THE WINE were excellent and among the best I've had anywhere. Each wine was unique and flavorful and it was fun to pair it with what was served to us. If you have the opportunity to have the Pamelita 2015, it will absolutely blow your mind! While Hamel is on the pricey side, I think if you go in with that expectation that like with any higher end experience you're going to have to pay more, you will appreciate that the experience at Hamel is unique, beautiful, and worth every dollar. I would highly, highly recommend this winery!

When it comes to winery experiences in Sonoma County, Hamel Family Wines tops the list. They spare no expense, have amazing views, killer wines and a great food program to boot! Before I dig in I should note that this place is appointment only so make sure to call ahead or you won't be able to pass through the pearly gates. When you do reach the parking lot you're promptly greeted with a friendly smile from your host and mats outside your vehicle. Not sure why you need the mats but, it's a very nice touch. :) The wines are also great! I loved the sauvignon blanc, rosé and zinfandel. They also have some bdx blends that are pretty darn tasty. No shortage of great tastes. Do yourself a favor and give them a buzz, it's a truly unique experience.

Horrible customer service. They were unprepared & made it our fault. Rude & seem to not know that they are in a service industry. Sneaky with how they charged you & made you buy wine. Awful overall experience. Beautiful setting, but awful service. Do not go.

Incredible - we did the estate tour and Eric was amazing, so hospitable and knowledgeable. We came here for our honeymoon and they even had custom tasting menus printed! We experienced the utmost highest care in their dedication to guests. The grounds and views are outstanding and the wine was delicious as well, everything about our experience was amazing and we cannot recommend highly enough!

Paid $100 for tasting six wines. The "chef's seasonal" contribution was one cracker and some fresh cheese. Wine was interesting and we would have bought a couple of bottles had we not been so put off by the whole experience. We live in Sonoma and have been to many wineries. We will not recommend this winery to anyone we know.

WOW!!!! Maybe I shouldn't write this review so that more people don't overcrowd this hidden gem! The unreal views don't even compare to the chef's creations for the food pairing (library experience) or the PHENOMENAL reds that matched with them. We became instant club members. Oh, and Eric was tremendous!!! He exudes Knowledge, integrity and tremendous caring for our experience - which is so hard to find!

Good wine, not the best. We only enjoyed a few of them which was a little disappointing. Our host was so awesome! We were the only group there so we weren't rushed. We loved the tasting library that's open to air. The water glasses to go were also a super cool touch!

A warm and welcoming winery with great wine and beautiful scenery. We've been members for years and visit regularly.

One of my dearest friends set up a wine pairing tasting for 8 of us ladies. We had an amazing time. Hamel has amazing views of Sonoma Valley and the folks who work here provide top notch service. Marty was our wine expert on the day we visited and he was incredibly knowledgable about the wines, vineyard etc. The food was amazing and the wine was incredible. We had the entire library area to ourselves and the setting was sophisticated, comfortable and welcoming. The chef was wonderful and the food paired perfectly with their wines. I'm definitely bringing my husband back here so he can try their wines. Their wines are delicious! Highly recommend.

May be the most beautiful winery in Sonoma!! We did the food and wine pairing and the food may be the best pairing on our trip! It was so flavorful I could eaten a whole bowl of their lentil chili. Our host Eric was also the best!!!! He went above and beyond to ensure every detail was taken care off. He even offered me a glass of rose post our tastings as he knew I loves rose's and it is for their wine club members only. We sat in their library and looked out onto their gorgeous vineyard. We were given cute little glass water bottles to take home. Will be using it as a vase when I get home :)

Another Napa/Sonoma trip, another trip to Hamel. We made a reservation as club members for Monday afternoon for a group of five. After a tour of the vineyard, crush pad, and caves, we were treated to the Library for our tasting. We tasted the Rose, Sav. Blanc, Zinfandel, and Isthmus - and we treated to the Armor Plate Zin at our request. My prior reviews talk much more in depth about Hamel. The experience is one of a kind. You are treated to a one-on-one tasting with one of their ambassadors (no sharing a table with others or "bellying" up to a bar). Everyone is knowledgeable and friendly - and the winery is gorgeous (you will have plenty of instagram posting options). Oh yeh, some house made ricotta cheese with estate olive oil is awesome. We send almost everyone we meet to Hamel for a few reasons: They have a variety of offerings (whites, rose, reds) - my wife says that Hamel is the only winery that she loves each wine The winery is amazing - the architecture and view are phenomenal for sure The staff is top notch Be sure to check it out - especially if you're in Sonoma. Make sure to carve out a couple of hours for the tasting. Take your time and enjoy. Our 2017 Napa/Sonoma trip included Hamel Family Wines, Viader, Schramsberg, Neyers, and Lewis Cellars. Check out my reviews of the others for some comparisons.

We did the reserve experience that had exceptional wines paired with truly unique and wonderfu food! We highly recommend this experience and Eric our sommelier was exceptional, fun, knowledgeable and made us feel like part of the Hamel family! We highly recommend this experience!

After visiting dozens of wineries in Napa and Sonoma over the years, Hamel Family Wines is the only wine club my wife and I have joined. If you care about the quality of your wines above all else, the reds here are first class. They're delicious and complex and taste like wines three or four times the price point. My personal favorites are the Armor Plate Zinfandel and the Hamel Family Ranch. Their ambassadors Eric and Zakk are also extremely down-to-earth. It's pretty common for wine ambassadors to give off a pretentious vibe (which always makes a tasting a bit awkward), but I've never felt that at Hamel. Finally, the property itself is amazing. The views when you look down into Sonoma Valley are breathtaking, and the smell of oak and wine when you first enter the cave is the stuff of dreams. I've already lost track of how many times I've visited Hamel Family Wines and look forward to coming back!

There is no dis in this (tasting) appointment. From the moment you arrive at the tasting room, you're swept into an expansive view of the vineyard and the mountains beyond. The architecture is stunning. The Sauvignon Blanc is simply to die for. I mean seriously, I'm deceased. House-made ricotta cheese and crispy sea salt crackers paired oh-so-perfectly. Take a tour of the lux wine cave and watch the sunset with your bestie. One of Sonoma Valley's finest. Badger friendly.

Interesting place - probably THE MOST amazing view along Rte 12 in Sonoma of any winery - incredible. The tasting is expensive (for me - $60) - but a nice tour of the property, amazing wine cave etc Our Host - Zack - was perfect - thx Zack! Their total case production is only about 5,000 cases which might explain the cost of the wines - a bit pricey but really really good. We had the 2015 Sav Blanc and the 2014 Sav Blanc Reserve (love this one). Then the 2014 Zinfandel and the 2013 Isthmus (loved this one too) and then we were treated to the 2012 Hamel Family Ranch blend. Zack first took us on a tour of the property and their very cool cave with this special "egg" used ferment one of their wines. The seated tasting also has an amazing house made creamed ricotta dizzled with their house made olive oil and salt harvested from our own sonoma coast - really really good. Everything about this place is "class" including our personalized tasting menus. It is a love place and highly recommended.

This was my second visit to Hamel in the past four years, and they have only gotten better. I first visited right after they opened and they were already a stellar winery. When you arrive, the atmosphere is sleek and open, yet warm and inviting. You will see stuffed badgers around (yes, the animal). That's because the owners are third generation University of Wisconsin "Badgers." Apparently, there are many "Badgers" living around these parts because there are parties and things for alumni. Reservations are a must and with your reservation you will be pampered. Sitting outside the views are over the vines and you feel like you're hundreds of miles away from reality. Your place is set with different types of glasses. Since my nephew (our driver) was with us and wasn't partaking in wine, our host (Marty) took it upon himself to come up with something called a "Dry Tasting." He serves a bottled beverage (non-alcoholic) called "Dry" that can be purchased in some stores. Marty covered the label and had my nephew smell and taste and then guess which flavor it was. It was really fun, as we all tried to help him. Our wines were amazing. We tried a Sauvignon Blanc, a rosé (secret stash), and three lovely reds. Afterwards we got to tour the caves. They were immaculately clean and had barrels and cement egg-looking items that stored wine. Marty was truly the consummate host. I cannot imagine a better tour/wine guide. I don't know how much a tasting costs a Hamel but whatever it is, it is definitely worth every penny.

We had so much fun here! Our group of six paid $60 to taste 5 wines and take a tour of the winery as well as try the grapes. Our guide was super patient as we took pictures and also took pictures of us. We spent about two hours here and would have spent even more time here if they weren't closing. They're also able to ship wine to you if you like something. We also got these super awesome glass reusable water bottles before we left which was a nice touch.

I have yet to taste the wines, but if the beauty of this winery, along with the phenomenal views, is congruent with all of the awesome customer service we received yesterday on our small tour, then I cannot wait! I've been accustomed to going to busier wineries where everyone is packed into a small tasting room & it's definitely quantity over quality in the busier wineries. Hamel is definitely quality over quantity in that they schedule only exclusive, private wine tastings. I'm definitely looking forward to my next visit & to tasting their exclusive wine selection (8

This place was fantastic! Our host wast awesome and very knowledgeable about the wines served. They have an amazing ricotta cheese snack with homemade crackers to pair with tasting. I would recommend this place to everyone. The views are stunning. Make this a stop on your next trip. Worth it!!

Beautiful winery and it wasn't too crowded, we loved getting to walk around the grounds

Hamel is a wonderful wine experience right in Glen Ellen. First class service, wine and food. Hosts are always attentive without being pushy and it's nice not being mobbed by other people. I've always had a great time here and grateful that is such a wonderful local spot. It's expensive, but worth it for a special occasion. I love taking special guests here when visiting from out of town. Worth a trip for your special celebrations!

Went here on a date very recently and my experience was outstanding. Pulled up to the gate for my 1pm appointment. Yes this place is appointment only but that only adds to your tasting experience once you are relaxing on the deck! I do wish the instructions were a bit larger and oriented so you can see them a bit easier as you are pulling up the gate and the speaker was a bit louder but those are only small side notes to what was an amazing tasting experience. Pulled into the parking lot and was greeted at the front door by Kirsten, our amazing and extremely knowledgeable hostess for the afternoon. We started straight off with an in-depth tour of their production facilities and caves with the story of the Hamel family and the winery which was very fun and my date thoroughly enjoyed as she had never been in a wine cave before. I don't want to ruin any of the experience but their caves have a couple nice additions that make them truly unique. We were lucky enough to be there on a nice day so we had our tasting set up and waiting for us outside on their gorgeous deck with a killer little view. After a bit more chatting about the growing region and the micro climates of the area we dove into our tasting which of course is the main attraction. The tasting came with some house made ricotta and crackers and we were offered a shaving of black truffles on top for an additional ten dollars which of course the correct response is hells yes! Well maybe something a bit more classy but you get the idea. Let me tell you the chef must have been in a good mood that day cause he let it rain truffles on that killer ricotta and it was great with all the wines. The wines were all outstanding, but i wont get too into that I will let you be your own detailed judge but well worth the cost of the visit. I even took a magnum of one of their tasty zins home. I do think their wine club benefits are a little off the mark for the price point, mainly in regards to the visits and only twice a year discounts on bottle purchases they offer for members but that's aside from my tasting experience so while I do think it's worth a mention, it does not take away from the tasting experience. My date and I both have already said we wish we were back on that deck sipping on those delicious wines, enjoying the view! Highly recommended and I will surly be back in the future.

This place was AMAZING. It was the first winery I've ever visited and now they all have to live up to it. We booked a tour and it ended up just being us and the tour estate ambassador Zakk. He was fantastic--super knowledgable, super funny, and super friendly. The place itself is gorgeous and concerned about sustainability, which is a huge plus for me. The architecture is beautiful and all the rooms are so tastefully designed. Every detail was thought out. We had a personalized little folder packet with information about the wine club and the wines we tasted and a cute little piece of badger paper. Oh, if you don't like badgers...you're out of luck. ;) OH! I should probably talk about the wine! WHICH WAS GREAT. The sauvignon blanc was so unique and delicious. The rest we tasted was all reds and ALL were amazing. Wine with a beautiful view and an attentive staff. I have food allergies/restrictions and they were accommodating of them. Their chef makes their own salt too! Literally takes a huge tub of ocean water and brings it in, boils it, and dehydrates etc. etc. until it's salt. It was delicious. Overall I just CANNOT say enough good things about this place. LOVE.