Hi-Time Celebrates Fifty Years!
1957 - 2007

This shot from the late 1950s shows (L to R) Fritz and Chuck Hanson and Jim McVay.  Fritz and Jim founded the store in 1957. 

Jim, unfortunately, passed away many years ago.  Fritz is semi-retired but we always need his help when there's construction to be done... or stocking the liquor shelves during the holidays!  Chuck's still here!  Well, at least for a couple days a week he helps keep an eye on the wine department (watch those invoices!) and keeps up on the latest wines.  Well, and he knows just about everyone in the California wine industry.

Regarding the early days, Fritz recalls what a big deal it was the first time they sold a $5 bottle of Paul Masson Champagne.  Memorable!  In the early days, it seems most of their sales involved $.99 Thunderbird.


Our original location, complete with clock! Those were the
days... the wine cellar and La Cave next door. La Cave is still
there but we're up the street a bit. Well, tempus fugit, as they say.

We still make deliveries... but not in that van!  We're guessing this is from the 1960s at some point due to the design of the van and the boats in the harbor.  And we still deliver to various boaters stocking up for their trips to Catalina and beyond! 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Hi-Time moved to our current location in 1984... prior to that, the building we're housed in was a telephone company.  The underground wine cellar had to be dug out to provide a home for our wines!  In the photo at left are a number of former and current staff members of Hi-Time.  Former General Manager Harold Hanson is in the back right (ball cap on).  We'll let you guess about the others... but two of them can still be found in the cellar!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Summertime speaks of fishing and beer... speaking of that, here's a shot of Keith Hanson (L) and Mike McCullah at the "old" Hi-Time on 17th and Irvine in 1993, which was right around the time that the old store closed it's doors (it's now a Blockbuster). Both enjoy the piscatorial sport as well as the zymurgist's end results!  Also, both of these guys are still here so make sure to say "hi" to them this month!

The groundbreaking ceremony for our building expansion (the new beer area and shipping) in 2004. What's next? Who Knows! Stay Tuned!

***Yes, more construction in the works... pardon our mess as we strive to make our store better!  Facelift at 50? Why not!

 

 

 

Room 207 at the old store on 17th and Irvine, circa early 1980s, after a large, formal tasting or other event (Jim guessed 'Burgundy'). From left to right: Diana Hirst, Jim Duane, Ann Stephens.

A little over two years ago Patterson's Beverage Journal honored the Hanson family of Hi-time Wine Cellars with their Lifetime Achievement Award. In conjunction with our cover looking back over the benchmark wineries and wines that have filled our cellar, we thought this a good time to reprint the Patterson's photo.

Just a couple years ago Fritz & Ida celebrated their 50th Wedding Anniversary with family and friends. With the store celebrating its 50th this year, we thought this a perfect time for this picture: from left to right: Diana Hirst, Tracy Hanson, Ida Hanson, Keith Hanson, Fritz Hanson, Don Hanson, Lynda Hanson, Diego Smart.
Happy Thanksgiving from the Hi-Time Family.

Happy Holidays from Hi-Time Wine Cellars!