Honig Vineyard and Winery
by
Kathy Sullivan
Summary: Honig Vineyard & Winery located in Rutherford, California is in the Napa AVA. This winery has an emphasis on creating quality Cabernet Sauvignon and Sauvignon Blanc. Maintaining the natural environment with sustainability projects are also a priority. Giving back to the community is important for this family run winery.
Honig Background
In 1964, Michael’s grandfather, Louis Honig, was making wine. He was working in San Francisco. Louis bought the current property and planted Sauvignon Blanc and Cabernet Sauvignon varieties. Louis Honig had hopes of retiring from his work in San Francisco and moving to Napa Valley to produce wine. After he passed away, his family produced wine to honor Louis. In the early 1980s the wine won a gold medal at a local county fair.
Michael Honig, Louis' grandson, took over the vineyards and winery. By 1987 Cabernet Sauvignon was added to the wine portfolio. The property consists of 70 acres with the majority planted as Sauvignon Blanc and some Cabernet Sauvignon. On a cloudy November visit, the vineyard leaves were just beginning to change colors.
Tasting Room
Visitors to Honig tasting room will discover a large patio in front complete with many tables, white umbrellas, trees and shrubs. Take time to enjoy a glass of Honig wine on the premises. The first area inside of the tasting room has a long wood table and a comfortable conversation area. The square tasting counter is centered in the next area where a friendly staff is ready to introduce Honig wines.
Wines at Honig Winery
Honig Sauvignon Blanc Rutherford 2010 was barrel fermented for six months in French oak. The straw colored wine had a nose of citrus and orange blossoms. The taste was creamy with notes of lemon and tropical fruits. The finish was crisp with a touch of tannins and had a chewy, fruity aftertaste. Sauvignon Blanc 2010 was straw color with nuances of grapefruit on the aroma. Tropical fruits and citrus were on the taste and the wine was crisp with tropical nuances and minerality on the finish.
Cabernet Sauvignon 2009 was aged for 18 months in American oak. The wine offered blackberry notes throughout with the finish having bold tannins with fruity nuances yielding to spices.
Late Harvest Sauvignon Blanc 2008 was a yellow to gold color. The aroma was of honeysuckle and orange blossoms. There were nuances of honey with some apricot on the taste. The finish was crisp with many layers of fruit.
Napa River Rutherford Reach Restoration Project
When we visited Honig Vineyard and Winery we had the opportunity to visit with the energetic and enterprising, Michael Honig, President of Honig Vineyard & Winery. Michael was in the midst of celebrating with friends of the Napa River Rutherford Reach Restoration Project. They were celebrating the completion of a portion of the project. Napa River had suffered from vast overflowing issues. The project was to widen the river back to its natural flow thereby slowing the river by the time it flows through the town of Napa. In the past, the town of Napa has flooded. For the project to succeed Honig Vineyard and Winery donated some of their vineyard land to help widen the river. Michael noted that it was about, “the community coming together for the betterment of the community.” The width of the river expanded from 20 feet to 50 feet wide. As a result of the widening and the work done by other groups, wineries and vineyards, Napa River is one of the healthiest rivers in California.
Green Initiatives
Honig Vineyard and Winery is now 100 percent solar powered. They went from spending thousands of dollars a month on energy costs to a fraction of the cost because of the use of solar power. The vineyards are farmed with bio-diesel tractors and birdhouses abound.
While visiting vineyards in Napa, venture off Rt 29 and cross the Napa River. Visit Honig Vineyard and Winery and taste their wines in a relaxed setting.
Honig Vineyard and Winery
850 Rutherford Rd.
Rutherford California 94573
GPS: N38º 28.350’ W122º 24.424’
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