It might be surprising to learn that a driving impetus behind Sonoma County wine venture Patz & Hall Winery bloomed in Santa Cruz in the late 1970s.
Founder and owner James Hall was a UCSC slug back then, and a sip of wine he took at the restaurant he worked in served as a lightbulb moment. Fast forward a few decades to 2024, when Hall reclaimed the label’s legacy by repurchasing the winery following eight years as part of Ste. Michelle Wine Estates’ corporate portfolio.
Amber Turpin: How did you get into this work?
James Hall: I got interested in wine while working at restaurants during my college years. I noticed that folks that ordered wine seemed to enjoy their meals more. They definitely had more fun. That intrigued me, and led me to eventually attend UC Davis and study fermentation science.
Did you ever have an “aha” moment with a certain beverage? If so, tell us about it.
Yes, a glass of 1978 Meursault Charmes that I got to taste when I was working at a restaurant in Santa Cruz. I tried it with my shift meal, and it absolutely blew me away. I didn’t realize wine could be that good. I went home and looked it up in Hugh Johnson’s World Atlas of Wine, which set me on the path of wine discovery that I’m still on.
What is your favorite thing to drink at home?
Wine. Often Patz & Hall, but I drink a lot of other things. In no particular order: Burgundy, Northern Italian, Bordeaux, Spanish reds, Champagne and German riesling. To be honest, I love the diversity of wines.
Where do you like to go out for a drink?
My favorite place, hands down, is called Folklore. It’s a newer place in downtown Napa. It’s a bar, wine shop, record store, restaurant and FM radio station. The wine scene is incredible; so many treats from the classics to the uncommon. The bar has the best cocktails in Napa. The owners are great, and I could spend all day there.
In Sonoma County, I’m a big fan of Russian River Brewery, as they have an incredible range of super well-made beers. Pliny the Elder is always in my fridge, but I love to go to the brewery and catch up with their Belgian-style ales, many aged in wine barrels.
If you were stuck on a desert island, what would you want to be drinking (besides fresh water)?
Grand Cru Burgundy and Hyde Vineyard Pinot Noir … and some vintage Champagne for when I was feeling lonely, as well as the occasional bottle of Château Haut-Brion Blanc when the fishing went well. Perhaps a bit of XO Cognac for Friday nights when the stars come out.Patz & Hall, 21200 8th St. E., Sonoma. 707.265.7700. patzhall.com.
