95 Points - Wine Enthusiast - Alta Orsa 2020 Estate Hillside Cuvée

“On the nose, crushed roses and violets, black cherry, plum, currant, unsweetened cacao dust, toasted wood, tar and a sanguine-like umami. The palate keeps this promise, knitting together those flavors with well-integrated firm tannins, generous acidity and balanced alcohol. — Stacy Briscoe” READ MORE

92 Points - Wine Enthusiast - Alta Orsa 2019 Estate Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon

“This hits all the marks of a high-quality Cab Sauv that can easily be enjoyed now or cellared for at least the next 10 years. The fruit maintains freshness from start to finish. Accents of oak are secondary, working to uplift and enhance that fruit, while subtle suggestions of age hint at this wine's potential. Find delicious notes of black currant, black plum skins, dried prune, leather, cacao and fennel carried by a firm tannic texture, generous acidity and balanced alcohol. — Stacy Briscoe” READ MORE

“…wine country it usually means Napa Valley. A road trip to Orsa wines in Mendocino County may just change that thinking. Amazing, affordable wines…”

-Stephen Henson, Journeys with Stephen

"Estate Reserve quietly snuck onto our radar and proceeded to knock our socks off. ...One taste of their 2005 “Estate Reserve” unleashed a deluge of questions, starting with: Who are these guys? How is their wine library so impressive? ...

… The answer to each was surprisingly simple: They’re nearly off the grid! Deep in Mendocino, in the timberlands of Duncan Peak…”

—Ian Cauble, Master Sommelier

"They were all excellent—Martin is one of the top winemakers of his generation, and learned the art of terroir-driven wines alongside Paul Hobbs in Argentina and California, and Guillaume Pouthier at M. Chapoutier"

—WineAccess

"Meticulousness meets magical realism meets Martin

…Rooted in science, conservation, and a dash of wonder, Martin’s winemaking process is both meticulous and metaphysical. Natural yet carefully nurtured. While drinking wine may elevate the human experience, Martin believes it’s the unique combination of grapes, terroir, farming practices, and human hands that shape the larger experience.”

-Maker Wine

"Winemaker Martin Bernal-Hafner, who hails from Colombia and has done wine work on three continents (his mentors include Paul Hobbs)"

…specializes in single-vineyard Chardonnay and Pinot Noir from Sonoma County fruit and Cabernet Sauvignon from the Hopland estate, where Merlot, Petit Verdot, and a few other varieties also grow. While sipping his gracefully made wines, you’ll learn about the commitment of Bernal-Hafner and his team to holistic, organic, regenerative farming practices.”

Daniel Mangin

Blogger and writer for Fordor’s

"At Alta Orsa Vineyards (perched on a hillside, and offering fantastic views),

visitors can enjoy complimentary tastings in the cellar or under the trees and a tour of the vineyards with either the winemaker, Martin, or his one employee. “

-Brooke Herron

Freelance journalist (Decanter, SommJournal, North Bay Bohemian, North Bay Biz Mag, winecountry.com, sonoma.com, Edible Marin and Wine Country)

"Focused on Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Alta Orsa currently produces under 2,000 cases of wine and works with both estate fruit as well as grapes that they purchase from growers in different regions.

…and they utilize regenerative soil practices such as no tilling, planting cover crops, and dry farming.”

Carpe-travel.com

These 10 Hidden Gems Are California's Best-kept Secrets

“Located in the southeastern corner of Mendocino County, the lovely town of Hopland makes for an excellent jumping-off point for wildly good wine tasting …make an itinerary that includes tastings at Saracina or Alta Orsa wineries, a day in the hot springs at Vichy Springs Resort, or time among redwoods in Montgomery Woods State Natural Reserve.”

Chelsee Lowe for Travel + Leisure Magazine

“Winemakers like Martin Bernal-Hafner at Alta Orsa

in Mendocino, which produces about 1,000 cases annually, says that, while his sales are down slightly online, they’re booming in-person.”

-Kathleen Willcox