Hanson of Sonoma Distillery — Local services in Sonoma

5 stars for the spirits. Maybe up to 1.5 stars for service. Be careful, some of their servers will scam you for tips. If you have a large group, STAY AWAY.

Our server Sarah F was very prompt to seat us and take orders. We took some time and then ordered some tastings and cocktails. We did not order food since they didnt have a full kitchen option this time.

Our group of 6 ordered either cocktails or tastings. (Half flights included a cocktail, more later).

Our server insisted we wait until flights were poured to put in those included orders. Once flight were poured she insisted that we wait until everyone finished their flight for cocktails. We asked to order but she would not budge. Those that did not order a flight had their cocktails already and those that had the half flights wanted to sip their cocktail in between vodka sips (we had a couple light drinkers in the group).

Long story short she did not return for 30+ minutes. She must have been at lunch as she was completely absent. We debated going to the front to ask what was happening but just waited on our waitress.

When she finally came back she insisted that we all order cocktails with the 2 in the group that were waiting on their original order from over an hour ago. We asked for the remaining cocktails that were ordered an hour prior that she ignored. 15 minutes later we got them.

We were looking to purchase some take-home bottles of vodka and asked that it not be included on the 20% minimum gratuity.

Sarah F refused after 3 requests so we downsized our order to a single bottle and she made her extra 6 dollars (%20 on $30 750ml take home bottle).

Not sure how you run a business this way, but our server was all about her own profit. She knew at 6+ she had a guaranteed 20% tip. She knew that if she refused to serve us until after a tasting and drinks we would be obliged to buy another round. She knew that if the only way to buy take home bottles was to force us to buy from her netted her 6 bucks per bottle.

We fealt like we were abroad and being scammed. We had better experiences here with smaller groups but wpuld not recommend taking a group of 6+ here. Not a good way to treat people that live down the road.

Honestly, it was embarrassing to bring our family here, especially after the service we had earlier. Defintiely a low point to...

What an impressive tasting room. Delicious cocktails, and I was very impressed by the smoothness of the vodka. My husband and I reside in Sonoma, and after a lunch at Lou’s Luncheonette up the road decided to finally visit this family owned and operated distillery. The bar stools are not stools…they’re more like bar chairs with excellent back support. We did not explore the outside area, but plan on doing so next time. Dogs are welcome outside, but not in the tasting room (they serve food).

I am surprised by some reviewers stating that they had poor service when visiting. We received excellent service, and $15 for a delicious cocktail made with premium, organic ingredients is an EXCELLENT value in Sonoma, please trust me on that. I’ve been drinking in this town since 2007. In Sonoma you pay $15+ for a cocktail with well spirits, if you want a premium vodka such as Hanson, you will pay considerably more.

Similarly surprised by some reviews stating that the 15% off membership discount is insufficient. When I read the membership pamphlet I thought to myself, this is actually one of the most affordable memberships that I’ve seen. Where else can you get a membership where you get 3 bottles a quarter for approximately $85? And that discount also applies to food and cocktails, and many products that are not available at your local Total Wine or Safeway. The membership appears to be a great value to me. You get the experience of going to the distillery and enjoying the many experiences that they have on offer.

I really admire what the Hanson family have lovingly created through what I can only imagine was a long process that probably had its ups and downs, but ultimately led to some absolutely delicious tasting and award winning vodka. This is a family business that also supports other family businesses in the Carneros wine growing region. If you are visiting Sonoma, please consider going wine (and vodka) 😀 tasting in Carneros. You...

We stopped by Hanson's after running a couple of errands in Sonoma on Labor Day weekend. Due to Covid-19, Hanson's was only doing tastings at tables on their lawn. They were book for the entire afternoon, but did have one open table as long as we were ready, which we were. They seated us at a low lawn table next to the pond with a view of the windmill and flowers. Our server, Cameron, was very accommodating with bottles of ice cold water and helping with recommendations. He even played along with the lame dad-jokes that we always throw at our servers. He explained how Hanson's organic spirits and the flavors that get added to make the essential flavors. We ordered a couple flight tastings as well as the margarita pizza which was baked to order in their brick oven right next to the lawn. The pizza was tasty with heirloom tomatoes and fresh mozzarella. We tried all the vodkas. The were all good, but we ended up purchasing three. The Standard was smooth and light with a surprisingly sweet finish. The Meyer lemon was just slightly sweet with a refreshing light citrus taste. The ginger was also excellent; not to spicy with a lovely fresh finish. All in all, it was a perfect way to kick off the holiday weekend; wonderful tasting spirits and food, beautiful surroundings and friendly service. We definitely will...