Winemaker Michael McNeill has been at California’s Hanzell Vineyards since June of 2008. Having just completed his third vintage, he took time out of his busy day to speak with me about how a passion for winemaking at home as a hobby turned into a successful career.

Hanzell Vineyards, located in Sonoma, is celebrating both its 50th vintage and the fact that it now possesses the oldest, continuously producing vines in North America. The winery is small and very much a hands-on operation in almost every aspect of the winemaking process. McNeill, winemaker emeritus Bob Sessions, and owner Alexander De Brye, strive to produce classic Burgundian-style Chardonnay and Pinot Noir wines just as original owner Ambassador James Zellerbach set out to do in 1948.

Please contact Barrel Select for pricing and distribution information.

See Part 2 of my conversation with Michael McNeill tomorrow.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zTJQDS1IHrE