Bricoleur Vineyards

Bricoleur Vineyards is owned by the Hanson family, who co-founded the estate with a focus on sustainable farming and community-focused hospitality. Mark and Elizabeth Hanson, along with their daughter Sarah Hanson Citron, are actively involved in the management and strategic direction of the winery. Sarah leads the hospitality side of the business, with a focus on creating immersive experiences that align wine with wellness, food, and education. The family works closely with winemaker Cary Gott, a respected consultant with decades of experience in California winemaking.

The Bricoleur property was purchased by the Hanson family in 2014, with the first vintage produced shortly after. The winery officially opened its doors to the public in 2020. From the outset, the family's intention was to build not just a winery but a gathering place rooted in the meaning of “bricoleur”—a French word describing someone who creates things from a diverse set of resources. The estate has been designed to support events, wine education, and farm-to-table experiences, reflecting the Hansons’ belief in building community around wine.

Bricoleur Vineyards is situated near the town of Windsor in the Russian River Valley AVA of Sonoma County, a cool-climate region known for Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. The estate spans 40 acres of vineyards on a larger 100-acre property, with additional sourcing from nearby high-quality sites. The Russian River Valley’s diurnal temperature shifts and fog influence provide ideal conditions for balanced, expressive wines.

The estate vineyard is planted to a mix of Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and other varietals including Viognier and Zinfandel. Bricoleur also sources fruit from sites across Sonoma County, including the Sonoma Coast and Dry Creek Valley. The Hansons prioritise sustainable farming practices, with an emphasis on soil health, biodiversity, and minimal intervention. Cover crops, composting, and water conservation form part of their vineyard management. The team believes that careful viticulture enhances their wines' purity and sense of place.

Winemaking at Bricoleur is led by Cary Gott, who takes a site-driven, low-intervention approach. The focus is on small-lot vinification, with techniques that respect varietal character and vintage conditions. Fermentation is generally spontaneous or uses selected yeasts, with gentle extraction methods and judicious use of oak. Chardonnay sees a mix of barrel and stainless steel ageing, while Pinot Noir is handled with minimal racking to preserve freshness. The winery aims for balance, elegance, and food-friendliness across its portfolio.

Bricoleur produces a broad range of wines, including estate-grown Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, as well as Rosé of Pinot Noir, Viognier, Zinfandel, and a Brut sparkling wine. Its "Flying by the Seat of Our Pants" series reflects a spirit of experimentation and accessibility. The estate wines are positioned at a more premium level, with limited production and a focus on terroir expression. While the core varietals align with Russian River’s strengths, the portfolio also includes blends and lesser-known varietals that support the winery’s food pairing programme.

Bricoleur Vineyards places a strong emphasis on hospitality. The estate offers a curated “Rooted” tasting and dining experience, which pairs seasonal dishes with a flight of wines. A full-time chef prepares menus using ingredients from the on-site culinary garden. The grounds include picnic spaces, bocce courts, and scenic vineyard views. Private tastings, yoga in the vineyard, and culinary workshops are regularly hosted, making Bricoleur a destination for immersive wine and lifestyle experiences in Sonoma. Reservations are recommended.