Amidst the bustling harvest season, when winemakers and grape growers are immersed in the year’s most hectic period, Jason Hanson, founder of Hanson Vineyards, took a moment to chat with us about his journey into winemaking. With a Master’s Degree in Political Science and a disinterest in being so closely involved in politics, Jason, alongside his father laid the groundwork for Hanson Vineyards. Their small estate vineyard cultivates nearly 11 grape varieties and has earned renown for its exceptional Pinot Noir, among other varietals. Though modest in size, Hanson Vineyards offers a depth of quality that far exceeds expectations.

In this interview, Jason Hanson discusses his passion for wine, his inspirations, and what continues to drive him in the industry.

Edited excerpts from the interview.

Tell us a little about your background and journey into winemaking.

I grew up on our family farm, but when I turned 18, I left for the East Coast to attend college and grad school. After spending 18 years there, I felt a strong pull to return to the family farm. I proposed the idea of starting a winery to my retired parents, and they agreed! That's how the adventure began.

What does your current role look like, and how do you spend your day?

I'm the primary farm worker in the vineyard and also the winemaker. In addition to that, I'm the legal advisor and, yes, even the janitor. So well, it's not as glamorous as it may sound!

What inspired you to become a winemaker?

Back in 2001, while living in Washington, DC, I realized I needed a change. Oregon's wine industry was booming, and I thought turning our family farm into a vineyard would be a great way to forge my own path. And that was all the inspiration and motivation it took.

Do you believe you as a winemaker can personally help drive marketing and sales?

That’s a tough one and to be honest, I struggle with it. On the one hand I do want to help our distributors sell the wine, but I also have to admit I am an introvert. I’m far more comfortable working alone in the vineyard than being out there promoting the brand. But at the end of the day it is a part of the job, so I make it work. But asking me if it is effective is a whole other question with a debatable answer.

[[relatedPurchasesItems-61]]

What is the hardest part of a winemaker's job?

Dealing with failed wines. As a low-intervention winemaker, things can go wrong with fermentations. Sometimes you bottle something and it doesn’t turn out right. That’s when you have to be zen about it and accept that not everything will be perfect.

How would you define a good winemaker?

To put it simply, I believe anyone who can put delicious wine into a bottle is a fine winemaker!

Image Credits: Hanson Vineyards (Instagram)

What do you enjoy doing when you're not making wine?

Walking my two CRAZY Siberian Huskies, enjoying an IPA, and cooking.

What is your idea of a good life?

Doing what you love. For me, it’s working in the vineyard throughout all four seasons. I’d rather spend a cold January day pruning vines than working in an office. That’s the ideal life for me!

Your favorite wine books?

"The World Atlas of Wine" by Hugh Johnson and Jancis Robinson, "The Oxford Companion to Wine" by Jancis Robinson, and "The New France" by Andrew Jefford. I’m a huge fan of Jancis Robinson, as made evident by my favourite books. On a similar note, I also enjoy Herr Baum’s YouTube videos—they’re fun and offer interesting musings on wine and tasting.

Header image sourced from Hanson Vineyards (Facebook).

Related Links:
In Conversation with John Alban, Pioneer of the California Rhone Movement 
Pablo Avalos on His Commitment to Winemaking and Award-Winning Wines