Bancroftiana, Number 117 Fall 2000: Hafner Winery Reception

Hafner Winery Reception

On a lovely June 2nd afternoon, in Healdsburg, some fifty members of the Friends of The Bancroft Library and guests gathered at the Hafner Winery for a reception and talk hosted by longtime library supporters Dick and Mary Hafner. Dick Hafner served the University of California, Berkeley as Public Affairs Officer before "retiring" to a career in the wine industry with his wife and sons. The Hafners also hold a long and proud relationship with The Bancroft Library, through Dick Hafner's association with former Bancroft Director, James D. Hart, and through Mary's service as a member of the Council of Friends, which followed her mother, Ella Hagar's own leadership of the Friends. Mary's grandfather was David Prescott Barrows, former president of the University, and his papers reside at Bancroft.

Peter Hanff and Bo Simon at Hafner Winery

Guests were treated to an outdoor tasting of selected vintages from the Hafner collection, and to a series of appetizers and treats prepared by Mary Hafner. Deputy Director Peter Hanff, summarized Bancroft Library activities and introduced Bo Simon, Wine Librarian for the Sonoma County Public Library. Bo presented a fascinating and entertaining account of the historical development of the wine industry in northern California, with vivid portrayals of key figures in the agricultural, economic, and political arenas. One notable Bancroft volume on display for the occasion was the 1881 Annual Report of the Chief Executive Viticultural Officer to the Board of State Viticultural Commissioners. This work contains a large, foldout image of the root system of grapevines.

The outdoor terrace at the Hafner Winery offered a wonderful venue for this event, with its scenic views of the Alexander Valley. The event brought together members of Friends from the Sonoma and Napa counties.