Hanson of Sonoma
Our Story
Hanson of Sonoma began as an idea from brothers Chris and Brandon Hanson, who spent two years and 155 experimental batches developing an organic, grape-based vodka before settling on their final blend in 2013. That same year they presented bottles with masking-tape labels at the Spirits International Prestige Awards and won Best in Class for Vodka and the Platinum Award, plus two golds at the Vodka Masters in London. The family opened its Sonoma tasting room in 2018 and a second tasting room in Sausalito in 2019. Hanson of Sonoma sits in the Carneros Appellation on the border of Sonoma and Napa counties.
The Founders
While studying at Regent's University London, Chris Hanson watched the craft brewery movement take off and pitched the idea to his brother Brandon, then bartending in LA. Looking to their home state's most abundant local resource, the pair decided to build an organic vodka from Sonoma County grapes rather than a purchased base spirit, and taught themselves the winemaking and distilling to do it. Their parents, Scott and Judy Hanson, later joined the business alongside siblings Alanna and Darren to make it a full family operation.
How We Make It
To make a grape-based vodka, Hanson first has to make wine. Organic grapes are harvested in late August and early September, pressed on-site, and fermented into a natural, sulfite-free wine using yeast techniques learned from neighboring, family-owned Ceja Vineyards. That base wine is distilled through a hybrid still setup: first through a traditional copper pot still to retain flavor from the base ingredients, then through a second copper pot still with a Cognac-style reflux helmet for a velvety mouthfeel, and finally through a 50-plate copper column still for a clean, soft finish. Flavored expressions are made by hand-peeling and macerating organic fruits and peppers directly in the Original Vodka, with no artificial flavoring or syrup.
Details
- Location
- Sonoma, CA
- Founded
- 2013
- Website
- hansonofsonoma.com
- @hansondistillery
Gallery
Meet the Team
Chris Hanson
Co-Owner & Master Distiller
Chris oversees the grape harvest, processing, and blending. In 2021 he was named Distiller of the Year by the North Bay Business Times.
Brandon Hanson
Co-Owner & Master Blender
Brandon co-founded the distillery with his brother Chris and now manages production, working closely with local farmers on the brand's flavored infusions and seasonal releases and with wholesale distributors across all 5…
Scott Hanson
CEO
A celebrated artist and founder of the internationally recognized Hanson Galleries, Scott spent decades as a Hollywood film producer before joining his sons to build a family-owned distillery in Sonoma Valley.
Alanna Hanson
Co-Owner & Marketing Director
A USC Cinematic Arts graduate, Alanna built the brand's first website in-house and now leads its marketing, community partnerships, and speaker series.
