I was introduced to the family owned Hanson of Sonoma Distillery last month by my friends from Sonoma County Tourism. They sent me “Sonoma in a Box” – Sonoma County Life Opens Up filled with culinary treasures from the region.

One of the first items I noticed was Hanson of Sonoma’s hand sanitizer. This clever distillery made their first batch of hand sanitizers to help keep first responders well during the pandemic. Their special batch is made with 70% alcohol (the World Health Organization calls for hand sanitizers to be at least 60% alcohol) and has a crisp and pleasing smell.

Next I learned that the distillery opened a new Spirits Garden at Hanson of Sonoma Distillery, where the public can enjoy a sampling of Hanson’s unique organic grape-based vodkas outdoors. Guests can sit in a comfortable, safe and spaced out seating area while overlooking their pond. 

To bring their Hanson of Sonoma tasting experience to me, they sent three bottles of their original small batch vodkas with glasses, olives, dried fruit and flowers, plus NYE hats.

Besides their original flavor grape vodka, they sent two infusions of flavored vodka that included Habañero and cucumber. They also make a ginger infusion.

Hanson offers a variety of tasting experiences that include a DIY NYE Martini box, craft cocktail kits, masks, hand sanitizer and more.

Put Hanson of Sonoma Distillery on your 2021 Bucket List. It’s located in the heart of the Los Carneros appellation at 22985 Burndale Road, Sonoma, CA 95476. Phone: (707)343-1805. https://hansonofsonoma.com/