Bart Hansen, Owner and Winemaker

My journey into the wine industry commenced with a crush job at Kenwood Vineyards in 1986. Tasked with the responsibility of transporting five tons of grapes at a time down a rugged mountain in a one-ton truck during my inaugural harvest, I immediately realized the allure of the winemaking world. While not amidst the bustling harvest, I eagerly lent a hand in the cellar, albeit mostly relegated to shoveling grapes and diligently cleaning. Nonetheless, these humble beginnings sparked a fervent desire to pursue a career in the wine industry. 

My tenure at Kenwood was marked by extensive learning beyond the confines of my initial harvest duties. Acquiring proficiency in operating the bottling line and assisting in warehouse operations, including shipping and receiving, broadened my understanding of the winemaking process. Notably, my adeptness with a forklift paved the way for a transition into cellar work. This evolution culminated in my appointment as the manager of the Kenwood barrel cellar, ultimately integrating me into the esteemed winemaking team.

In 1998, I embarked on a new chapter, departing from my role as Cellarmaster at Kenwood to assume the position of associate winemaker at Benziger Family Winery in nearby Glen Ellen. There, my focus centered on crafting wines for the Benziger Family Ranch, including Tribute, Imagery Estate, Benziger vineyard designates, and the Zinfandel collection. It was at Benziger that I was introduced to the pioneering practices of biodynamics and organic farming, concepts that were nascent within the industry at the time. Collaboratively, we developed winemaking techniques tailored to complement these innovative agricultural methods, further enriching my expertise and passion for the craft.

I loved the idea of bringing cutting-edge techniques to age-old winemaking processes. With a passion for creating small-lot, distinctive wines, I was thrilled to join the Lasseter Family Vineyards in 2007 and to have the opportunity to create premium vintages of Rhone and Bordeaux-inspired blends from organically-grown grapes. It was also in 2007 that our son, Dane was born, becoming the inspiration and namesake for the opening of Dane Cellars, that same year.

My wife, Teri and I were married in 2003. I persuaded her to move from Marin to my home in the Sonoma Valley. Our common thread was our love of animals and our love of fine wine. We were blessed to have in son in early 2007. We make wine in this beautiful valley surrounded by a our son and two Australian Shepherds.