Hartford Family Winery: A one-stop worth the trip

Of all the paths that cross-cross California’s Russian River wine country, Forestville’s stretch of Martinelli road has to be among the most rustic.  And during the search for interesting wines, this route will probably find you exploring its entire length sometime during your visit to this acclaimed region.

Dense forest, narrow clearances, and twisting turns are sure to slow any driver’s progress.  But even with occasional dropouts of the GPS and loss of cell service, the wines to be experienced along the way make it well worth the effort.

For many of us, the urge to venture into this area starts while reading the mountain of reviews created on behalf of the Pinot Noirs produced by the Hartford Family Winery, most with ratings well over 90.  But it’s not just all on paper.  One look at Hartford’s wide area of fruit sourcing, ranging from Carneros to Mendocino, provides the geographical backdrop for exploring the full potential of California’s Pinot Noirs at one tasting room.

If there ever was a one-stop shop for Pinot, this is it.  But if you love Zinfandels, Hartford jumps from a “maybe-see” to a “must-see”.  Where can you taste top Pinots and Zinfandels in the same flight?  You got it, country roads or not, for lovers of these two varietals, devoting the time is not even a decision.

Their Pinot Noirs traverse easily between the Burgundian and California styles with grace and class.  Ranging from earthy-delicate to full-fruit flavors, there is an entire tasting experience in store for anyone who wants to sample the full potential of this varietal.

All of Hartford’s Zinfandels are from well-established vineyards, some of which have been in operation for nearly 100 years.  But these are not anything like the big jammy Zins you would expect.  Each of them has distinctive bouquets, mid-palate, and finish.  Sure they are big, but they also contain characteristics not found in many Zins.  Brambly, toasty, cinnamon, pepper, and boysenberry all come into play.  Take your time!

They also have Chardonnays to taste, each with different variations to start each flight.  So if you have white wine fans along, they will not be disappointed.

Also, during a visit, be sure to set aside some time to sit outside and enjoy the isolated “mini-valley” that Hartford calls home.  The combination of vineyards and old forests create a scene that begs to be appreciated and is another one of those locales that expresses the endless variety of California’s wine country.