Show Notes
In this episode of The Good Stuff presented by the Sonoma County Winegrowers, hosts Virginie Boone and Karissa Kruse talk with Chris Hanna, President of Hanna Winery.
Chris Hanna is the President of her family’s winery, Hanna Winery, based in Healdsburg and Santa Rosa, Sonoma County. Growing up on the home ranch, she began making small batches of wine with her father, winery founder Dr. Elias S. Hanna, in the late 1970s and early ’80s.
Christine joined Hanna Winery full-time in 1991, starting in public relations and marketing before assuming management in 1993. Under her leadership, the winery expanded from 1,000 to over 50,000 cases, establishing national distribution and a thriving direct-to-consumer program through two tasting rooms and three wine clubs. She shifted the winery’s focus to Russian River Sauvignon Blanc, a consistent award winner now making up more than half of Hanna’s production and newly available in kegs. She also transitioned the winery to an estate-based model, marketing Hanna’s vineyard fruit to other top wineries and launching the acclaimed Reserve, Elias, and Bismark Mountain tiers, highlighting small-lot, high-quality estate wines.
The Winery: Hanna Winery produces outstanding Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, and Cabernet Sauvignon. With over 250 acres spanning the cool Russian River Valley, sunny Alexander Valley, and rugged Mayacamas Mountains, the winery remains dedicated to crafting wines that reflect Sonoma County’s diverse terroir. The recent addition of Chris’ home ranch on Bradford Mountain in Dry Creek Valley further strengthens its estate-driven approach.
The winery’s roots trace back to Dr. Elias Hanna, a pioneering cardiac surgeon who sought refuge in the countryside. In 1985, his family pastime evolved into a business with the founding of Hanna Winery. Chris embraced this legacy while steering the winery toward innovation, championing estate-grown vineyards when the industry favored purchased fruit. Recognizing the potential of Russian River Sauvignon Blanc early on, she positioned Hanna Winery at the forefront of the category.
Today, Hanna Winery is built on a foundation of vision and resilience. Chris has cultivated a team of like-minded innovators, including winemaker Jeff Hinchliffe, who prioritizes sustainability, ensuring the winery’s legacy for generations to come.
Beyond Wine: Christine is the author of The Winemaker Cooks: Menus, Parties, and Pairings (Chronicle Books, 2010), which was a finalist for Best American Cookbook by the International Association of Culinary Professionals. Her recipes have been featured in Food & Wine, Savor Magazine, The Tasting Panel, Imbibe, California Home+Design, and the television show In Wine Country. She also teaches cooking classes nationwide, including at Williams Sonoma, Sur La Table, and Central Market Cooking School.
Christine has played a pivotal role in the wine industry, serving as past President of Sonoma County Vintners, where she helped reposition the organization’s marketing strategy. She also chaired the Sonoma County Showcase and Auction, directing Taste of Sonoma, one of the region’s premier food and wine events.
In addition to her industry leadership, Christine is an Adjunct Professor in the Wine Studies department at Santa Rosa Junior College. She is the incoming Board Chair at Sonoma Academy, Treasurer at The Healdsburg School, and a past President of the Board of Trustees for the Alexander Valley Unified School District. She holds a bachelor’s degree in English literature, a master’s degree in creative writing, and has completed postgraduate studies in business, viticulture, and enology.
And finally, Virginie and Karissa share their Tuesday Night wine picks!
