BY FRAN ENDICOTT MILLER 

When Ross and Jennifer Halleck first planted their Russian River Valley vineyard in 2001, their motivation was to subsidize their three sons’ college educations. With college now behind the three, Ross and Jennifer’s Halleck Vineyard winery has proven to be much more than a means to an end. Since day one, their wines have received awards and accolades; their first vintage in 2001 was judged #1 in the United States. In 2019, every one of the wines earned Gold, Double Gold, or Best of Class and all scored 96 points and above.

The artisanal-style Halleck Vineyard produces extraordinary wines sourced from their estate vineyard and other select vineyards in surrounding AVAs including Russian River Valley, Sonoma Coast, and Sonoma Mountain. Their focus is on Pinot Noir, though they also make a selection of award-winning whites to balance the selection, including Sauvignon Blanc and a Dry Gewurztraminer. So delectable are their wines and so notable is Ross and Jennifer's largess, that Tony and Emmy-award winning Josh Groban selected Halleck as his viticultural partner for his Find Your Light Foundation, a charity dedicated to ensuring that every child has the opportunity to experience a quality arts education. For every bottle of 2015 Find Your Light, Halleck Vineyard, Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir sold, all profits are donated to the Foundation’s exceptional arts programs supporting education, advocacy and outreach initiatives.

Halleck Vineyard’s one-acre site is located in the Sebastopol Hills, perched above the Russian River watershed. It is flanked on the west by the coastal range and commands an expansive view of the rolling Sonoma County hills. Ross and Jennifer’s greatest joy is to share a piece of their heaven-on-earth in the form of a bottle of their wine. But during these challenging and unprecedented times, all Northern California wine tasting rooms are temporarily closed, yet Ross and Jennifer are making it easier than ever to experience their exceptional array of delicious wines. Enjoy one of the following virtual tastings in your own home, or, consider giving as a gift to friends or family who are sheltering in place:

Halleck Vineyard Wine Tasting (2-6 people)

Includes choice of three wines, a Halleck Vineyard wine opener, downloadable Aroma Wheel, pairing suggestions for each wine, tasting notes, and personal tasting via video conference with Ross Halleck, owner-vintner or Stephanie Cullen, Certified Sommelier-wine educator at Halleck Vineyard. Use your computer or phone! The wines will be sent; then choose an available time for the tasting.  Allow two weeks for your wines to arrive.  $199

Halleck Vineyard Wine Tasting + Valley Ford Cheese Pairing (2-6 people)

Includes the Halleck Vineyard Wine Tasting with the addition of three cheeses from Halleck neighbor, Valley Ford Cheese, located just a stone’s throw from the vineyard. The cheeses have all been personally paired by Ross Halleck and Karen Bianchi-Moreda, owner of Valley Ford Cheese (cheeses will ship separately from wines). $239

Halleck Vineyard 

Halleck Vineyard Wine Tasting + a Model Two Coravin (2-6 people)

Includes the Halleck Vineyard Wine Tasting with the addition of a Model Two Coravin. Pour wine without removing the cork by using the Coravin Model Two wine system. The durable needle pierces the cork so you can pour, and then the cork reseals when the needle is removed to preserve the remaining wine. This Coravin Model Two wine system comes with two capsules that let you pour up to 30 glasses of wine. This is an elegant and effective solution to enjoying a glass of your favorite wine without committing to an entire bottle. $349

The Halleck Vineyard ‘Full Experience’ (2-6 people)

Includes the Halleck Vineyard Wine Tasting + Valley Ford Cheese Pairing + a Model Two Coravin. Enjoy your selection of Halleck Vineyard wines, paired with complementary cheeses from Valley Ford Cheese; each wine and cheese is personally paired by Ross and Karen of Valley Ford Cheese. And to be sure you have wine for weeks to come, pour it without removing the cork by using the Coravin Model Two wine system that will change your life; you’ll cherish it for years. The wines, cheeses, and Coravin will be sent; then choose an available time for the tasting at YOUR convenience. Allow two weeks for everything to arrive (cheeses will ship separately from the wine). It’s a Bonanza!  $389

To purchase any of the above tasting options, click here or visit:  https://www.halleckvineyard.com/Wine/Virtual-Tasting

Note: Shipping costs are included in package pricing.

Want to add an additional wine or two? Choose any wines you’d like for 15% off the published price. Shipping will be included with the pack. Cannot be ordered separately.

All photos courtesy of Halleck Vineyard