Iconic Family-Owned Hart Winery In Temecula Valley Sold

TEMECULA, CA — After decades of family ownership, Hart Winery in Temecula Wine Country has been sold — but it will remain.

The sale announced Thursday to Paso Robles-based Halter Ranch includes Hart's 8-acre vineyard, winery and tasting room. The sales price was not disclosed but the property at 41300 Avenida Biona was listed at $6.4 million.

History marches forward

Founded in 1980 by Temecula Valley Wine Country pioneers Joe and Nancy Hart, Hart Winery has been family-owned since its beginning. This week's escrow closure follows Joe's death in November at the age of 89. The winery has been run by the Hart's sons, Jim and Mike. In February, however, the Harts were dealt another blow when Jim lost his wife, Christine, to multiple myeloma.

It was time for the Hart family to close the chapter on the winery, Jim said.

"We are so happy to have found the perfect buyer for the winery," he explained in a released statement. "Halter Ranch has a reputation as one of the premier wineries in California, with a state-of-the-art winery and a talented and dedicated winemaking team, a perfect fit to continue what we’ve been doing for the last 42 years.”

According to Gracie Nino, marketing manager at Halter Ranch, the history of Hart Winery will be respected. While visitors may see future upgrades, the look and feel of the winery will not change.

"We want to maintain its authenticity," Nino explained, noting that all Hart employees will remain at the winery. The Hart name will also stay, she said.

In a Thursday letter to Hart Winery members, the new owners said there will be no immediate rush on any construction work:

"We will restore and respectfully improve the winery’s authenticity to ensure consistency,
cleanliness, and precision in all aspects of the winemaking process, while still holding true to designs that embrace the nuance and charm of Hart Winery. We hope to expand the wonderful outdoor tasting areas and offer new opportunities for indoor tastings."

Halter Ranch General Manager Bryce Mullins said in a released statement, "We are honored and humbled to introduce ourselves as the new owners of Hart Winery. Our goal as new owners is to continue showcasing the unique pedestal of Hart’s small-scale, fine winemaking appeal in the Temecula Valley."

Founded in 2000, Halter Ranch is owned by Swiss billionaire Hansjörg Wyss. Sustainable agriculture and environmental stewardship are touted at the ranch that spans over 2,700-acres on the westside of Paso Robles on California’s Central Coast. The estate features 200-acres of wine grapes, 15-acres of walnuts, and 17-acres of organically certified olives.

According to Nino, Wyss is not a winemaker — nor is he an absent owner. It's unclear how much involvement Wyss might have at Hart Winery, but he's likely to pay visits.

"He's here [at Halter Ranch] regularly," Nino said.

Legendary status

Hart's estate-grown vineyard includes grape varieties of Sauvignon Blanc, Roussanne, Syrah, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Tempranillo. Joe and Nancy Hart planted the vines nearly a decade before officially launching Hart Winery in 1980.

Joe Hart, who was himself a winemaker, paved the way for a movement “toward the production of quality wine in the region, serving as a mentor for those who would follow in his footsteps in Temecula and beyond,” according to a news release that went out following the patriarch's death.

Kevin Sass, a winemaker at Halter Ranch, touted the importance of the Hart legacy in the Golden State: "It’s extraordinary when you consider the first vines at Hart were planted in 1973 — a full three years before California wines earned sweeping wins in the Paris Wine Tasting of 1976."

At the time of Joe's passing, Phil Baily, owner and winemaker of Baily Winery, reflected on his friend's impact in the Temecula Valley.

"Throughout the early years of the emergence of the Temecula Valley Wine Country, Joe was the leader and mentor to so many of us," he said "Quite frankly, he was the face of Temecula for over 30 years."

Editor's note: According to Nino, Hart Winery will be temporarily closed during a transition process but is expected to reopen soon.