Hop Kiln Winery

FUN FACT: Hop Kiln’s Winemaker, 27-year-old Chuck Mansfield, is one of Sonoma County’s youngest vintners.

In the words of the very nice people at Hop Kiln Winery, it is all about “Honoring the past, and handcrafting the future.” When you start with a 250-acre piece of prime property located within Sweetwater Springs Historic District, add a structure that dates back to 1905 (California Historic Landmark # 893), and then you have it positioned in Sonoma County’s fabled Russian River Valley, well, you pretty much have it all.

Today, the majestic hop kilns are a definite attraction; however guests make Hop Kiln Winery a destination
because of the wines crafted under the HKG label by up-and-coming young winemaker, Chuck Mansfield. HKG Russian River Valley Estate portfolio includes a classic Pinot Noir, a complex Chardonnay and a bright Pinot Grigio.

With a very limited production, most of the wines are sold at the winery or through their very popular wine clubs, including the HKG Collection with its long lists of benefits and access to some spectacular bottlings.

The HKG Pinot Noir exemplifies the award-winning characteristics of the Russian River Valley with silky textures, soft tannins and perfect balance. Their vineyard designated Bridge Selection Pinot Noir was chosen from un-racked barrels, with aromas and flavors of cherry, cocoa, dried herbs and fig.

Chuck chose the vines in the bridge block area planted alongside a meandering creek for their Six Barrel Bridge Chardonnay, which exhibits lusciously concentrated aromas of apple, Asian pear and ripe, juicy apricot. This perfect example of Russian River Valley Chardonnay finishes with a creamy mouth feel thanks to the finish of French oak barreling.

The tasting room has a wonderful array of award-winning gourmet products to purchase, from locally made mustards to grapeseed oil, chocolate wine truffles, pesto sauces and more … every one of them first-rate.

Hop Kiln Winery makes for a perfect way to spend a leisurely afternoon, and think about how things have changed over the last century at this historic property.

In addition to the Healdsburg winery, HKG Estate wines are available at their Glen Ellen Tasting Room near the town of Sonoma. This quaint town is the perfect host to their newest endeavor, which pairs sumptuous food by Chef Khambay Khamsayvoravong, from their sister property, the Kenwood Inn and Spa, with their finest vintages. Guests are welcome to enjoy food and wine flights, alongside cheese and chocolate pairings, sweet desserts and savory hand pies, or take their pick of decadent temptations to-go for an afternoon picnic or delicious after dinner delight.