Our Story

Here at Hahn Family Wines, we’re proud to be a family-owned-and-operated winery. Our founders Nicky and Gaby Hahn first came to the Santa Lucia Highlands in the late 1970s, and the Swiss-born couple quickly recognized the region’s potential to produce wines of exceptional nuance and character, worthy of attention on the world stage.

“We all produce world class fruit from well managed vineyards. We deserve therefore our own recognition with our own premium price and marketable exciting appellation that wine writers can discover, laud and praise.”

NICKY HAHN, 1988

Timeline

1979

Nicky & Gaby Hahn Purchase Smith & Hook Vineyards which was 100% Cabernet Sauvignon

1980

First vintage of Smith & Hook Cabernet Sauvignon released

1990

With a shift to cool-climate varietals, Nicky recognizes that the cool climate of the Santa Lucia Highlands is best suited for growing Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.

1990

Doctor's vineyard planted in the Santa Lucia Highlands

1991

Due mainly to Nicky's leadership, Santa Lucia Highlands is given AVA status

1992

Lone Oak Vineyard was purchased in Santa Lucia Highlands and the Hahns now have 10% of SLH under plant

1994

Ste. Nicolaus Vineyard was planted in the Arroyo Seco AVA

1998

Ste. Philippe vineyard was purchased in the Arroyo Seco AVA with 1,100 acres now under plant

2001

The Hahn family invests in significant estate vineyard replant to Pinot Noir & Chardonnay

2003

Winemaker Paul Clifton joins the Hahn team

2013

Hahn SLH Estate-Grown wines introduced

2023

Hahn Family Wines acquired by E&J Gallo Winery continuing on the legacy of Nicky Hahn.

Nicolaus "Nicky" Hahn, Founder (1936-2018)

Nicky Hahn’s commitment to the Monterey region began in the late 1970s. With a background in international business and a deep passion for wine, Nicky committed himself to making the Santa Lucia Highlands a beacon of world-class winemaking. He and his wife Gaby purchased what is now Hahn’s Smith & Hook Vineyards and produced their first vintage in 1980. In 1988, Nicky embarked on the multi-year process of submitting the Santa Lucia Highlands for AVA status — hard work that paid off in 1991. Nicky retired from day-to-day operations in 2007 and passed away in March of 2018.

Gaby Hahn, Founder

After earning law degrees in both Germany and France, Gaby Hahn followed her passion for the arts to the Tate Gallery in London. After moving to California, she continued her commitment to the arts, lecturing on British & Californian art, impressionism and sculpture. She’s served as a trustee for the Monterey Museum of Art, the Monterey Symphony, and the Monterey Institute of International Studies, and founded an art appreciation unit to introduce the arts to children in Salinas. Today, her art is inspired by the family’s 50,000-acre wild animal conservancy in Laikipia, Kenya.