We had such a lovely, decadent time here. It felt like we went to the spa! They were fully booked when we went, but it was like we were the only ones there. Not crowded at all! They even had a great tasting menu for our DD. And, the chef prepared the most yummy ricotta! We joined the membership. Can't wait for Camp! read more

Hamel is a splendid property and did an impressive job hosting a group of 16 ladies in a gorgeous private room. It is a unique and elegant wine tasting experience and i highly reccommend Hamel! read more

Great wines and even better hospitality! We came here for a Wisconsin Alumni function and had a brilliant time. Although the winery is under construction, I would highly recommend a stop here if you are wine tasting in Sonoma. Very distinct and amazing wines! read more

Despite arriving at Hamel Family Wines on a rainy, dark December day, we had an amazing visit to the vineyard. George and John Hamel really rolled out the red carpet for our group. Not only did we get to taste a nice variety of their wines (the Estate Zinfandel being my personal favorite), but enjoyed a delicious pairing of wisconsin cheese along with it. The combination of excellent hospitality, great people, and delicious wines made us want to stay at Hamel Family Wines all day! There is no doubt we will be returning sometime in the near future. Thanks Hamel fam! read more

By far the best winery we visited in Sonoma! My girlfriends and I made reservations for the private tasting and brunch on a Saturday morning. The setting was absolutely beautiful, as they opened the private dining/tasting room doors to overlook the front of the property. We also very much felt the exclusiveness of the experience, as it was not at all overly busy or over booked. Our Estate Ambassador for the morning was Zakk. He was there to help with every question we had from beginning to end. We started the morning with the seasonal brunch. The food was absolutely amazing! We were so happy that Ashley, the coordinator we communicated with via email, requested this option to us! The homemade biscuits and jam are to die for. Following brunch, Zakk took us on a tour of the property and he was extremely knowledgeable in all things wine. We then went back to the private room for the tasting, where we had a custom tasting menu complete with our party name on it. The wines were absolutely incredible. One of my friends is expecting and Zakk offered her the dry tasting, which was wonderful as well. Upon departure we were given reusable, glass water bottles and our car was waiting with individual Badger floor mats to wipe our feet before entering the car. Everything about this experience felt custom and upscale! I would highly recommend to all and can't wait to return. read more

We had the best time at the Hamel vineyard and with their family that we did not want to leave. It was simply heaven! Great wine, gorgeous scenery, warm hospitality, delicious food pairings. Even though their tasting room will be completed in late 2013, they accommodated our group with a private tasting in the vineyard with picnic tables and large umbrellas. We could not have had a better time and are anxious to return. Thanks, Hamel Family! read more

We came to Sonoma for our honeymoon last year and didn't make it to Hamel so this time we made sure to go. We snuck in right before closing - my husband called and made their last appointment from a winery just down the street! We had a fabulous experience. Everybody was friendly,very knowledgable and just happy to be there. We walked outside and our taster, Deanna, told us about the grapes, and then showed us what the future site was going to look like. John Hamel came over and introduced himself to us, and I think my favorite part about the place is the fact that the tasting is in a cute little house! It was intimate and super fun!! The wines were incredible. The best Sauvignon Blanc I have ever had. Hands down. And the other 3 wines were also very well made and very delicious!! I wish we had more time to go back there before we leave Sonoma! We joined their wine club in a heartbeat and can't wait to come back and see the new construction! I would give them 10 stars if I could. Amazing experience all around!! read more

Best wine tasting/Tour we've been on. Sophie was awesome and as personal as personal could be. So comfortable to talk to and we felt like we'd known here for years. What a delight it was to have her show us around the winery she was obviously proud to be working for. Facility is amazing as is the wine. Our new favorite and Sophie made it so. read more

My mother was visiting from the east coast and we took her to Hamel. She has been up to the wine country with us numerous times and this was by far her favorite (and we agree!). The wine is fabulous, the view is stunning, and the staff is friendly and approachable. They have good reason to be full of themselves, but they aren't. Stephen was the best person we have ever had at a winery ... ever. First class service from the time we stepped out of our car until the time we left. We didn't want to leave! So amazing. Thanks, Stephen, for the most wonderful day (even with the rain)! read more

I found this place very nice. Unlike my tour at Charter Oak a few days later. I felt the people here were classy and charming. Thank you very much. read more

A must do!!!! and pleasant surprise to top off our Sonoma day. George brings his passion for the business and love for sustainable farming to your glass in a way that makes you want to be a part of their journey. I can't wait to get my first club shipment. I look forward to watching the future unfold for them. read more

Went on a 4 winery tour in Sonoma, Hamel Family Winery was our first stop of the day. The winery set a high standard of professionalism and welcoming environment that the other 3 stops didn't live up to. We had the pleasure of having one of the owners/sons provide the tasting. Very informative and prevention was well down with the right touch of humor. One the best parts is we tasted 4 wines, all very good; went home with 4 bottles. If your looking for a great vineyard this is the place. read more

Hamel Family Wines went above and beyond for a recent event we had there! Even though the tasting room isn't finished yet, they set up a picnic setting for our group of about thirty-- including great wine, beautiful scenary & place settings, winery tours, and nice food pairings. Love how warm and welcoming the entire family was and we couldn't have asked for more! read more

I visited Hamel Family Wines with two of my girlfriends as our first stop with the intention of going to other wineries after. However we had such a great time drinking and talking with the Hamel brothers that we barely had time to go anywhere else! I was very impressed by the entire experience. We called a week or two ahead and they set up a private tasting for us in their tasting room. When we arrived, they had already set up the wines paired with cheese. We not only learned about how they made the wine that we were tasting (which was delicious) but also about how they started their winery from scratch. I cannot wait to revisit the winery after their new tasting room is built. This is a perfect winery if you want to take time to enjoy the beauty of Sonoma, drink delicious wine, and talk with wonderful people who are passionate about wine. read more

Wow! This place is simply amazing. The view is incredible. We called last minute for a tour/tasting, and they squeezed us in. We toured the tasting room and wine cave. Our "wine expert" was excellent. He spent a two solid hours telling us about the property/history. The whole experience was very personal and intimate. We ended up bringing wine home and joining their membership club. This is my new favorite place and can not wait to go back. The tasting room is beautifully designed and the wine is excellent. read more

An amazing new experience in Sonoma, staggering architecture with delicious wines. India gave a great tour hosting the three us. Dawn was so nice to come and talk with us, the sense of genuine hospitality is palpable. read more

I have trouble putting into words how unbelievable our experience was with Hamel Wines. The ambience and overall feel is so relaxed, peaceful, sophisticated, and beautiful. The landscaping and architecture truly transports you and makes you feel like you are in your own little paradise. The badger theme is a very endearing touch and we learned has to do with the legacy the family has with Wisconsin. The food. All I can say is wow on every level. Executive chef, Clinton Huntsman truly showed us that cooking is an art and one that Hamel Wines showcases in the best way. Every plate we tasted paired perfectly with the wine and it is in an understatement to say it is the best food our group had ever tasted. He uses local ingredients and seasonal items to make the food unique, beautiful, and delicious. Wine is wonderful, did not try anything that was less than amazing. I cannot recommend Hamel Family Wines enough. One of the best highlights of our time in northern California. read more

My husband and I spent Memorial Day weekend on the west coast, and visiting Hamel Family Wines was the highlight of our trip! Marty, our wine ambassador, gave us a tour of the property prior to our tasting which was absolutely beautiful. Marty was such a great host to all of us as well as Dawn, the Director of Hospitality. The staff members at Hamel Family Wines are so welcoming and friendly! We can't wait to go back and visit the next time we're in Sonoma, and we joined their wine club so we can indulge in Hamel Wines all year long from the east coast! read more

I have to agree with the other reviewer...$60.00 tasting; nothing goes towards any purchases; even though we had 12 people tasting and are all locals the pours were embarrassingly small. With 600+ wineries in the area check this one off your list and spend your money with other wineries that are more deserving. read more

I honestly wish I had never been and will definitely never return. Yes, the place is beautiful but my review is strictly based on the price of the tastings and the overall "experience" (which they seriously overuse that word), the ridiculous amount of time sitting in a table alone without a tasting in front of us. Food not included - even though we were sitting at a table for 2.5 hours - we had 4 tastings (which would equate to 1 glass of wine) for $65. We had to beg for nuts and crackers (which were also supplied in a miniscule size for an incredibly large group of us. We were poured a tasting and then left alone for like 15+ minutes each time - sometimes more. The sommelier was nice enough - even admitted to being pulled away for something else in the back during one of his absences? The entire "experience" was painful and one that I would not recommend. Oh, and the GNATS - everywhere - it was kind of gross. I get that gnats like sugar in the wine, but these guys were swarming us - and we sat there for hours. Without wine, without food, but plenty of gnats. The tour was "necessary for the experience" as half of our 14person group wanted to purchase wine and enjoy the deck and skip the tour (not everyone needs to see wine barrels and hear the history of a vineyard to appreciate wine) - meaning we were told that we HAD to do the tour. Seriously? The tour was weak and the only positive thing about it was that it was incredibly short. I honestly don't know how you sleep at night charging those kind of prices for a tasting and the "experience"? Not sure what the winery was going for - but it was by far the worst I've had in wine country. The best part was finally paying and being able to leave. read more

Pretty location - waiter was an ass- actually had the balls to ask the designated driver of a party of 8 women with reservations to get up out of a lounge chair and go sit outside as the place was "too busy"- for a Saturday afternoon the place was empty - pretty is only good if your wait staff has a clue. The driver -me- was the host for the event- not the "driver" and on a hot day if the driver needed a place to sit and have a glass of water - the waiter should pulled the stick outta his own ass and kissed the driver's butt! The drivers bring the drinkers! That is your business- without the drivers no buyers! For the ladies benefit- I did not unleash 8 tipsy angry power women on his ass- I left - waited and no guests showed up! After the ladies determined that they would not purchase any wine because it was not worth it. We left- I let the ladies all know at dinner and that will be the last visit from any of our network- thumbs down for rudeness! read more

This winery goes above and beyond any other place I have ever been. The customer service is over the top. You are treated as royalty from the minute you arrive until you leave. We had a tour planned and it was pouring down rain when we arrived. Two lovely ladies met us at our car with umbrellas so that we wouldn't get soaking wet. We then entered the most beautiful winery I have ever seen. The fire was burning with beautiful purple and yellow flames. Our wine tasting was next to the fire and it was very quaint. We toured the cave and area where they prune the fruit by hand. We learned about the organic and ecofriendly vineyard. It is absolutely amazing and beautiful The owner George even let us take a photo with him. They where so kind. Our guide Kirsten was fun, knowledgable, and an absolute pleasure to be with. We had a beautiful 3 course lunch of grilled fish, asparagus, and yogurt w/granola. This winery is an ABSOLUTE MUST if you are in the area!! I will definately be going back!! read more

Classy, quiet, exclusive feel. We showed up without an appt. have to get buzzed in at the gate. Staff member meets you at your car & escorts you in. Knowledgeable, friendly staff. Excellent wines. Beautiful setting. Call first. Join the wine club! read more

This winery is lovely. The grounds are beautiful, the family is very hospitable, and the wine is tasty. It was a wonderful experience.

This tour made our trip to Sonoma! Marty was the most incredible host! We learned a ton, had great conversations, and enjoyed some amazing wines. The grounds are GORGEOUS (even in the rain), but it was Marty and the wines that were the stand out. After we were buzzed through the private gate, and drove up through the vineyard, we were greeted at the car with umbrellas. We were then escorted into a beautiful modern building with incredible views of the vineyard and mountains in the background. A private table was set for us with the chef's house made ricotta to enjoy while we tasted the wines. After tasting the incredible wines and learning about the family, vineyard, wines, history, and building, we were taken on a tour of the facility and cave. Every aspect of the time we spent at Hamel was incredible. I highly recommend visiting Hamel Family Wines and I know we will be back on our next trip to Sonoma! read more

What an amazing experience! Big thanks to India for leading us through our reserve experience. Getting to tour the beautiful grounds, barrel tasting, and a private tasting with food pairing were all exquisite. Everything about the place and experience was top notch. Then being able to enjoy a bottle of wine outside on a beautiful afternoon just topped it off. Highly recommend making a visit to Hamel! We've become wine club members and will be back the next time we make it up to Sonoma. read more

My husband and I LOVE Hamel Family Wines (HFW). The property is amazing. The wines are all excellent and the experience is worth every penny. We've visited the property several times and each time the service has been perfect. On our most recent trip to HFW, our wine ambassador was Marty. He was super knowledgeable, friendly, and highly professional. We were also very impressed with their Director of Hospitality, Dawn. She always has a smile on her face and never fails to be super friendly and helpful whenever we visit the property. Additionally, we've had the pleasure of meeting and spending time with GIII and John Hamel. You can immediately tell how dedicated and passionate they are about the business and their guests. We sincerely appreciate all of the attention to detail that each host puts into our visit to make us feel welcome. We always try and bring all our friends and family here when they're in town to visit, too! It doesn't take much convincing :) We love HFW so much that we finally became wine club members. Try to call in advance as they are by appointment only. DEFINITELY worth the visit!!! read more

Superb wine but even better hospitality! This place is literally up-and-coming. The tasting room is being built up and I can't wait to get up to Sonoma when it's complete because the view from Hamel family is unbeatable. read more

We had so much fun checking out Hamel Family Wines on our recent trip to California. Our tour was awesome - our guide spent over two hours with just the two of us! He took us through the vineyards to show us the ripening grapes, and he was patient in teaching us about the wines during our tasting. The wines were delicious, and much more reasonably priced than the wines that we had tried in Napa. We ended up ordering several bottles to have shipped to us at home. The setting is absolutely breathtaking. For anyone looking for a personalized experience at an organic vineyard / boutique winery, I would highly recommend visiting Hamel Family Wines! read more

this place is awesome. the architecture was great, and the wines were better. such a nice small winery. 6 stars!!!