Off-the-Beaten Path Tasting
We wanted to explore Hirsch Winery in particular. Most wineries in Sonoma are easy to get to — not Hirsch. You have to make an appointment and it is a bit of a trek.
When I arrived at the winery, it was obvious that they get very few visitors. The front door to the winery office was so infrequently opened, two birds had built a mud nest.
Jasmine Hirsch, head of sales, led me to a patio table under a massive tree next to the winery where we tasted some delicious local wines.
David Hirsch (Jasmine’s father) had tired of the garment business and wanted to do something completely different. At first he only intended to grow and sell grapes, but soon decided he wanted to make his own wine. Being a small lot producer means he sells to a few restaurants and a couple of retail outlets, but prefers to sell directly to his customers.
“Buying direct is the strongest way to support what we do and the chain of connection isn’t complete until you hear from the customer,” Jasmine Hirsch explained. It’s up to the customer to get the wine maker to make better wine.”
