Set in the lush green pastures of eastern Contra Costa County, Hannah Nicole Vineyards is a picturesque destination for wine lovers and a dream-come-true for founders Neil and Glenda Cohn. The couple first purchased ten acres of land there in 1999 intending to plant apple trees. But the price of apples plummeted and they quickly changed gears to Cabernet Sauvignon. The vines took root beautifully, demonstrating the region’s winemaking legacy that began more than a century ago.
Perhaps this legacy has helped the Cohns accomplish so much in 12 short years. Hannah Nicole Vineyards now encompasses 80 acres planted to Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, Merlot, Malbec, Sauvignon Blanc, Syrah, Petite Sirah, Mourvèdre, Grenache, Viognier, and Zinfandel. A new state-of-the-art 18,000-squarefoot winery, tasting room, and event center now grace the grounds, and the winery’s portfolio has expanded to more than a dozen exceptional wines. Having an excellent winemaker surely helps too.
The Cohns first met Winemaker John Soteloat a custom crush facility in Madera back in 2002. They were impressed with John’s extensive knowledge and unique experience, which included work in Rhode Island with Native American wine grapes like Lemberger, Chancellor, and Vidal Blanc. John joined Hannah Nicole Vineyards in 2003 and continues to masterfully navigate the grapes’ journey from vineyard to glass. Nearly all the grapes used in Hannah Nicole wines are estate grown. Recently, the 2011 San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition awarded a gold medal to the 2009 Hannah Nicole Le Mélange Blanc, along with four silver medals and eight bronze medals to other Hannah Nicole releases.
Hannah Nicole Vineyards is a delightful destination for wine tourers seeking beauty, serenity, and distinctive wines. The gracious grounds, beautiful in their own right, enjoy a striking view of Mount Diablo. The winery is the site of many weddings and special events, and it even hosts a series of popular summer concerts and outdoor movie nights. Contra Costa wine country is new again, thanks to wineries like Hannah Nicole Vineyards.