Hart’s Desire Winery
By Mary Swift-Swan
Published: May, 2004
John Hart of Tiburon moved to Santa Rosa with his wife Desire 13 years ago. Surrounded by wineries, they were inspired to start making wines as a hobby. Hart’s Desire Winery evolved when they leased 40 acres of vineyards in Alexander Valley, planted primarilywith zinfandel grapes. Over time, the Hart’s have diversified to include presses from the Russian River and other locals, developing a delightful selection and an excellent reputation as boutique winemakers.
When the economy shifted, so did John’s profession, from chemist and microbiologist to a full-time vintner. The company where John held his “day job” for many years moved out of California three years ago. John, with Desire’s encouragement, recognized that he was too busy as a part-time winemaker to even consider taking on another job. He redoubled his focus in making and marketing good wines. John’s full-time efforts over the last three years have been rewarded in the award-winning wines he has produced.
Hart’s Desire wines are currently sold at wine tasting shows like the Tiburon Wine Festival, Sam’s Anchor Café’ in Tiburon, and they are distributed throughout Marin county. They produce over 1,500 cases a year. John concentrates on reds, like their original medal-winning Alexander Zinfandel. Hart’s Desire also offers Cabernet, Merlot, Claret, and a Sarah was introduced in 2003.
As their primary leased vineyard recently changed hands, the new owners are very excited to work with John to help him expand his original 40 acres to increase production of their fine wines. This mom and pop winery stomped its way through shows all across the United States in 2003. With the harvest ready to come in and many local festivals starting to happen, watch for Hart’s Desire Wines. You can also contact them directly at Hart’s Desire Winery, 2062 Pinecrest Dr., Santa Rosa, CA 95403-9628; phone: (707) 579-1687 or e-mail:
hartsdesirewines@msn.com.
