Walter Hansel Winery is in Sonoma County near the southern end of the Russian River. The 80-acre estate was established in 1978 when Walter Hansel planted 250 vines on the property. His son Stephen planted more vines in the 1980s. The winery’s first commercial vintage of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay was in 1996. Pinot Noir and Chardonnay remain the estate’s primary offerings, and all grapes are estate grown. Some are vineyard designated. Robert M. Parker Jr. has written that the estate “is a terrific source for sensational Pinot Noirs and Chardonnays, made very much in the style of wines proprietor Stephen Hansel loves the most, white and red Burgundies….the estate has built a brilliant track record…”