Jeff Hinchliffe

The Climb

A formal grounding in wine came first, with Jeff Hinchliffe building that base at University of California, Davis and Humboldt State University before moving into cellar work as enologist at Christian Brothers in Napa Valley. The path then widened across Northern California: winemaker at Hidden Cellars in Mendocino County, then founder, builder, and planter at Gabrielli Winery and Vineyards. Each role added another layer of practical knowledge across fruit, ferment, vineyard, and place, with the work moving from cellar discipline to site-based decision-making. Today, Jeff is winemaker of HANNA Winery & Vineyards (since 1998).

Today

Since 1998, Sauvignon Blanc has been the center of Jeff Hinchliffe’s work at HANNA Winery & Vineyards in Healdsburg. The approach is defined by restraint and site expression: less oak, lower sugar, night picking, and native yeast. Those choices keep the wine from leaning on barrel weight or excess alcohol, and leave more room for the vineyard to carry the wine’s shape. That method gives the wine a clear trade logic. Fruit is kept vivid, but not loose; structure stays in frame without dulling freshness. At HANNA Winery & Vineyards in Healdsburg, the aim is a Sauvignon Blanc that reads as terroir-driven rather than formulaic, with the vineyard setting the terms before the cellar does.

Career - winemaker — HANNA Winery & Vineyards (1998–present) - enologist — Christian Brothers, Napa Valley - winemaker — Hidden Cellars, Mendocino County - founder, builder, and planter — Gabrielli Winery and Vineyards Education: University of California, Davis; Humboldt State University

Signature

Jeff's signature wines include HANNA Sauvignon Blanc, 2024 HANNA Sauvignon Blanc, Russian River Valley, 2021 HANNA Reserve Alexander Valley Malbec, 2013 Elias Russian River Valley Pinot Noir, and 2025 HANNA Russian River Valley Pinot Noir.

In Their Words “We are trying to create a Russian River style of Sauvignon Blanc that has some elements of Marlborough winemaking but also attributes that are more terroir driven.” “My philosophy is that Sauvignon Blanc does not have to be oaked and high in alcohol to be serious- and that a wine can be both serious and utterly delicious.”

Recognition

Jeff Hinchliffe has received American AgCredit Sweepstake Winemaker Award, White Sweepstake (2017). Sweepstakes awards for best white wine sit alongside Jeff Hinchliffe’s work.

FAQ Where did Jeff Hinchliffe train or study? Jeff Hinchliffe trained at University of California, Davis and Humboldt State University. What recognition has Jeff Hinchliffe received? Sweepstakes awards for best white wine.