Proceeds Donated to CHIRLA (Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights)
Hella Chenin is one-day festival founded by Hella Chenin was founded by Peter Andrews of Culture Wine Co., Josh Hammerling of Hammerling Wines, and Marty Winters and Alex Pitts of Maitre de Chai. It is hosted at Hammerling Wines in Berkeley.
We're featuring more than 70 of the best Chenin Blancs from South African, California, Oregon, and Australia.
May 16th, 2026
General Admission Tickets: $75 per person
Panel Discussion Tickets: Additional $25 per person
(Very Limited Seating for Panel Discussion)
Hella Chenin was founded by Peter Andrews of Culture Wine Co., Josh Hammerling of Hammerling Wines, and Marty Winters and Alex Pitts of Maitre de Chai.
The three of us created this festival for one reason: to give Chenin Blanc the spotlight it deserves.
We’re here to celebrate the grape and champion the family-run wineries that keep it alive. This is a one-day festival at Hammerling Wines in Berkeley, featuring 70+ Chenin Blancs from standout producers across California, Oregon, South Africa, and Australia.
This isn’t a one-off party—it’s the start of a community that will grow every year.
Proceeds will be donated to CHIRLA
(Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights)
🔥 A Hella Chenin Trade Seminar (11am-12pm) 🔥
Chenin Blanc in a Changing Wine Culture
Moderator:
Madeline Puckette, Co-Founder, Wine Folly
Speakers:
Niels Verburg, Luddite Wines, South Africa
Bree Stock, MW, Limited Addition Wines, Oregon
Chenin Blanc is one of the most versatile, transparent, and food-relevant grapes in the world—yet it remains underrepresented on American wine lists.
This seminar looks at why Chenin works across styles, regions, and price points, why it resonates with today’s drinkers, and—most importantly—how the trade can position and sell it with confidence, without overcomplicating the story.
(Full description in ticketing link)
🍷 Trade Tasting (12 PM – 1:30 PM)
Buyers, somms, and media get first dibs on pours directly from the winemakers of the world's top Chenin Blanc
🎶 Consumer Tasting (1:30 PM – 5 PM)
A great chance to connect directly with winemakers pouring in a relaxed, table-to-table format. Local Bay Area chefs will be selling small plates while live music and oysters will be coming from Lo-Fi Oyster Co.
HELLA CHENIN IS SPONSORED BY:
Wine Folly, Educational Sponsor
Wine Folly, Educational Sponsor
Wine Folly, Educational Sponsor
Wine Folly makes wine education accessible and enjoyable. Since 2011, we've helped millions explore wine through engaging content, award-winning books, and innovative digital tools.
Their mission is to help people explore wine as a way to deepen their connection with the world and themselves.
Wines of South Africa
Wine Folly, Educational Sponsor
Wine Folly, Educational Sponsor
Wines of South Africa (WoSA) represents every South African wine producer exporting abroad, serving as the country’s unified voice on the global stage. Established in 1999 and operating as an independent, non-profit export council, WoSA supports more than 500 producers across all major regions. Their work is funded by a statutory levy on exported wine, allowing them to champion South Africa’s industry with complete independence from both producers and government.
Enjoy Clarksburg
Wine Folly, Educational Sponsor
Enjoy Clarksburg
Enjoy Clarksburg is a regional wine-industry trade body and digital guide dedicated to promoting the Clarksburg AVA of California. It serves as a central marketing platform to raise awareness of the region’s wineries, vineyards, events, and wine experiences, helping producers connect with consumers and industry professionals. The initiative highlights Clarksburg’s unique terroir, varietals, and tourism opportunities, and supports collaborative efforts among local wineries to amplify the AVA’s profile.
HELLA CHENIN PLANNED BY:
Culture Wine Co.
Culture Wine Co.
Culture Wine Co.
One of the planners and sponsors of Hella Chenin, Culture Wine Co. was founded in 2023 by Peter Andrews. It is the only importer, wholesaler, and e-comm retailer in the US focuses exclusively on South African wines. Culture Wine Co. is based in San Francisco.
Hammerling Wines
Culture Wine Co.
Culture Wine Co.
One of the planners and sponsors of Hella Chenin, Hammerling Wines was founded in 2018 by Josh Hammerling. The goal of the project is to explore cool-climate California vineyards along the coast through the lens of low-intervention sparkling wine.
Maître de Chai
Culture Wine Co.
Maître de Chai
One of the planners and sponsors of Hella Chenin, Maître de Chai was founded in 2012 by Marty Winters & Alex Pitts. Maître de Chai crafts site-driven California wines with minimal intervention, showcasing each vineyard's unique character.