Peter & Betsy Spann from Spann Vineyards, pouring at HASR Wine Co.

It's clear that Peter and Betsy Spann have fun making wine. While pouring a sample of "Betsy's Backacher," Betsy described how the grapes were grown on her own special spot, a place on a hill not easily accessible (hence the backache), the kind of rootstock, and each step along the way until it was finally bottled. Only 35 cases were produced, mainly for their friends who helped during the harvest.

We managed to snag the last bottle of Spann Vineyards Sangiovese although I understand more has been ordered for those who hesitated.

Peter and Betsy explained their wine philosophy with great enthusiasm and fielded questions from the crowd. Betsy is clearly the wine scientist, and a person who takes pleasure in creating a wine exactly the way she wants it. Peter was the consummate host, making sure that everyone gathered round had a chance to try each of the wines and learn how they were produced.

HASR has become a place where old friends discover new wines. Many of the wines are exclusive to HASR, so there's no use going elsewhere anyway. Besides, everyone you know is coming here.

This seems to be a busy week with wine tastings Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday. I don't know how Terry does it...

Check out their fresh new website at hasrwineco.com/home and get on the mailing list to be notified of upcoming events. Do it now. Or else you'll miss something.

HASR Wine Co.
31 N. Pauahi St. 1B
Honolulu, Hawaii 96817

Phone: (808) 535-9463
Email: info@hasrwineco.com