Hart Family Winery Review

Address: 41300 Avenida Biona Temecula,California 92591.
Phone Number: 951-676-6300
Tasting Hours: 9:00-4:30

Region: South Coast and S. California, Temecula Valley AVA, California
Reviewer: Tara Torres
Review Date: 5/17/2012
Reviewer: Tara Torres
Rating: 4

The Review

With over three decades of winemaking experience, this family-owned vineyard is nestled at the entrance to wine country in Temecula. The small Hart vineyard slopes down the hill with the wine tasting room perched atop. As with the family approach to making wine, Hart also brings the family feel to those who enjoy their wine and like spending time at the winery.

The Place: &nbspWith new wineries popping up on a regular basis in Temecula, Hart stays true to its roots – the only change hat has been made to the tiny, yet quaint, tasting room is the movement of the bar from one side of the room to the other. As you walk up to the tasting room, you can enjoy the views of the vineyards as they slope down the mountain towards the main road. Outside, wooden picnic tables line the building and provide an ideal location to enjoy a glass of wine and the views. Clean restrooms are easily accessible from the outside. As you enter the tasting room, you are greeted with the cool, crisp air of a wine warehouse. A tiny gift shop lines the edge of the tasting room. What Hart lacks in a lounge area or fancy outdoor seating areas, it makes up for in charm.

The Experience: &nbspVisitors can enjoy tasting six different wines for $10. The staff at Hart is friendly, knowledgeable, and seems to be the type of employee who works there because they enjoy it, not for the money. During my visit only one person worked the tasting room. She smiled often, engaged in friendly conversation, all while ensuring those waiting for their next taste didn’t wait long. When asked if they ever have private events at Hart, she laughed and quipped they didn’t even have a dishwasher there, which is why she always encourages the customers to take their Hart logo wine glasses with them. The relaxed environment provides an excellent place for a quiet moment to enjoy a bottle of your favorite Hart wine and just enjoy being on a working vineyard.

The Wines:   As one of the oldest vineyards in Temecula, Hart produces a modest amount of wine each year. Focusing more on reds, Hart produces a variety ranging from Sangiovese to Syrah. The winery’s whimsical-named Driveway Red is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Cabernet Franc vines taken from along the winery driveway.

Insider’s Tip: &nbspHart offers a wine club membership, which has no membership fee. The wine club includes free tastes of the new wine releases, and 20% off bottle purchases. Additionally, Hart offers the occasional wine event, such as a vineyard tour guided by the owner himself.