Being a big fan of wine country, I have visited and experienced several wineries in Sonoma, California. Some of my favorites are those that are family-owned and treat their guests like family. Their wine is truly hand-crafted and the quality is never compromised. Not to mention, the beautiful views and a nice glass of wine make for an unforgettable winery experience. Here’s my list of Sonoma Family-Owned Wineries to get to know. If you are interested in exploring some more lovely wineries in Sonoma, be sure to check out my blog post here: The Top 10 Sonoma Wineries.
ARISTA WINERY
Founded in 2002 in Sonoma County, Arista Winery is a 36-acre estate is located in the Russian River Valley, just outside of Healdsburg, California. The vineyards are suited to grow Pinot Noir and Chardonnay because of the unique and complex soils that make up the estate. I adore this winery and loved my experience visiting it. 7015 Westside Rd, Healdsburg, CA 95448. Read more about my experience here: Arista Winery A Spectacular Family-Owned Russian River Winery I Adore.
Above is co-owner Mark McWilliams who took over the family business with his brother Ben in 2012. Getting to taste with him at Arista Winery was a real treat.
BACIGALUPI VINEYARDS & WINERY
Since 1956, Bacigalupi Vineyards & Winery have been growing grapes in the Russian River Valley. Some of these grapes have gone into some A-list wines. The excellent quality grapes and the family-owned winery’s unique wine-making techniques have created three generations of grape growing tradition. You are definitely getting to taste the finest and most delicious wine here. 4353 Westside Road Healdsburg, CA 95448
Photos courtesy of Bacigalupi Winery
BELDEN BARNS
Belden Barns is a brand I was first introduced to by a client, Live Fire Pizza in Napa’s Oxbow Market. I hosted a blogger event there and we were serving the Belden Barns Estate Pinot Noir to guests with the amazing Live Fire Pizza and other culinary delights. After one sip I fell in love and knew I had to connect with this brand and learn more…. I shared an Instagram of my amazing experience and Lauren of Belden Barns reached out inviting me to the winery for a visit.
Fast forward a few months and a date was set for me to visit the Sonoma Vineyard and Winery. See more about our incredible visit and learn about Belden Barns below. 5561 Sonoma Mountain Rd, Santa Rosa, CA 95404
BLUE FARM Wines
Blue Farm Wines, located 3 miles south of the historic Sonoma Square, is home to a seven-acre vineyard producing Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. We adore Blue Farm so much so they were obviously at my 2019 Pinots & Plaid Luxury Wine tasting, read more about that on Emily Martin Events here.
Chenoweth Wines
Chenoweth Wines is a small, family-owned winery with deep roots in the fertile West Sonoma County harvesting Pinot Noir and Chardonnay grapes. Every step of the winemaking process, from picking grapes to labeling the bottle is done by them so you know you are getting the best quality, hand-crafted wine. I was definitely treated like family when I visited and loved my time there. 5550 Harrison Grade Rd, Sebastopol, CA 95472.
Read more about my experience here: My Lovely Chenoweth Vineyards Tour & Wine Tasting and my interview with winemaker Amy Chenoweth
Photo courtesy of Chenoweth Wines
CIRQ WINES
CIRQ Wines is fully owned and operated by Michael & Sara Browne. He and his wife Sara established their estate winery in the heart of the Russian River Valley. They focus their attention on Mother Nature and what she brings to the land of the winery. The grapes are delicately picked and as a result, the delicious wine is an elegant expression of the fruit growing in their fields. 707-757-6371. Read more in my Interview with Cirq Winemaker Michael Browne.
Photos courtesy of CIRQ Wines
COURSEY GRAVES WINERY
Hidden among the renowned mountain properties of Napa and Sonoma is this beautiful Coursey Graves Winery. The 13 acres of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Syrah are framed by an ecologically diverse, 40-acre estate. They have a modern tasting room in Healdsburg and their wines are beautifully crafted. Estate: 6860 Serenity Way, Santa Rosa, CA 95404
DUNSTAN WINES AT DURELL VINEYARD
In 2008, Ellie and Chris launched Dunstan Wines to showcase the stunning fruit from the Durell Vineyard. They grow predominantly Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, all sourced from the Durell Vineyard which is rich, elegant, and full-bodied. This lovely family-owned winery has a rich history with the distinct horseshoe emblem that is etched on the Dunstan label. It is said to bring good fortune to the vineyards and everyone who enjoys the wine. Read more about my visit here. 1945 Felder Rd, Sonoma, CA 95476.
Photo courtesy of Dunstan Wines
DUTTON-GOLDFIELD WINERY
Since 1998, grape grower Steve Dutton and winemaker Dan Goldfield teamed up to craft wines that express the personalities of their Dutton-Goldfield Winery vineyards, and which they’d enjoy drinking at their own dinner tables. The wines are sourced from the Russian River Valley, Anderson Valley, and Sonoma Coast, and the winery specializes in Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. 3100 Gravenstein Hwy N, Sebastopol, CA 95472
FLAMBEAUX WINES
Flambeaux Wines is a lovely family-owned winery that makes a limited production of wines which reflect the rich diversity of Sonoma County, California. Making great wine truly takes a village and with three generations of the Murray family making wine together, everyone—not just the winemakers — has a role and contributes to production. Read more about Flambeaux Wines in my Top 10 Dry Creek Wineries post. 1333 Jack Pine Rd, Healdsburg, CA 95448
FREEMAN WINERY
Since 2001, Freeman Winery has been producing stunning cool-climate Pinot Noir and Chardonnay Wines that I adore. At Freeman, every wine is intimately made by hand in small lots to ensure that every bottling receives the love and attention it deserves. The wines are delicious and the quality definitely shows. 1300 Montgomery Rd, Sebastopol, CA 95472.
Check out my interview with Winemaker Akiko Freeman here as well as my Fabulous Tasting at Freeman Winery.
Photos courtesy of Freeman Winery
HYDE VINEYARDS
Hyde Vineyards is located in the heart of Carneros, Napa Valley, and produces small-lot estate-grown wines. It originally consisted of 100 acres but has grown to 192 planted acres over the years. They are primarily known for Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, which are used by some of the most highly acclaimed wine producers in Napa and Sonoma Valley. Their wine embodies the love and dedication to the land they so proudly farm. 1044 Los Carneros Ave. Napa, CA 94559.
Read more about my experience here: Hyde Estate Winery’s Spectacular California Wines
Photos courtesy of Hyde Vineyards
Innumero Winery
Innumero Wines in California is a boutique winery known for its small-batch, handcrafted wines that showcase the unique terroir of the region. Innumero emphasizes sustainable practices and attention to detail throughout the winemaking process. Innumero offers a distinctive tasting experience for wine enthusiasts seeking thoughtfully crafted selections in California’s renowned wine country. 1200 American Way, Windsor, CA 95492
IRON HORSE VINEYARDS
Iron Horse Vineyards is an enchanting, family-owned, working winery that produces exclusively estate-bottled still and sparkling wines. The winery is a cluster of rustic, redwood barn-style buildings on a hill overlooking acres of grapevines. They have an outdoor tasting room offering stunning views of Sonoma County and Mount St. Helena that is warm and welcoming. This is one of my favorite spots to take out-of-towners as it is so authentic with a great experience and lovely wines. 9786 Ross Station Rd, Sebastopol, CA 95472
Read more about my experience here: Iron Horse Vineyards A Sparkling Wine Lovers Paradise
Ketcham Estate Winery
Ketcham Estate Winery in Sonoma is a boutique winery known for its exceptional Pinot Noir and warm, welcoming atmosphere. Ketcham Estate Winery focuses on crafting small-lot, artisanal wines that reflect the unique terroir of the region. The winery offers intimate tastings, where visitors can enjoy a personalized experience and learn about the winemaking process directly from the passionate team behind the wines.
KOBLER ESTATE WINERY
Expect to be treated like family at this friendly winery located in Sebastopol. Kobler Estate Winery produces small-lot, premium Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Syrah. Since 2010, the winery has strived to share its passion for winemaking and that is definitely reflected in the taste and quality of its wines. Be sure to experience their lovely Vineyard Tour and Cheese Pairing. 4630 Gravenstein Hwy N, Sebastopol, CA 95472
Photo courtesy of Kobler Estate Winery
LIOCO WINES
Another Healdsburg gem that I adore is Lioco. Producing stunning wines owned by Matt & Sara Licklider this is a brand to be sure to visit. Read more about them in my Downtown Healdsburg Best Wine Tasting Guide here.
LITTORAI WINES
Littorai Wines is a small, family-owned, and operated winery producing world-class Chardonnay and Pinot Noir from the true north coast of California: the coastal mountains of Sonoma and Mendocino Counties. They focus on biodynamic farming while creating fabulous wine. The winery has a Single Vineyard Tasting experience that will guide you through the handcrafted wines that are just delicious. 788 Gold Ridge Rd, Sebastopol, CA 95472
Read more about my visit to this winery here and this stunning winery is also featured in my Best California Sonoma Coast Wineries I Adore
Martinelli Winery
The Martinelli family has been growing grapes in the Russian River Valley since the early 20th century. Giuseppe Martinelli and Luisa Vellutini eloped from their small village in the Tuscany region of Italy, and made their way to California to start a winery. Giuseppe and Luisa planted a small area of Zinfandel and Muscat Alexandria vines, which later became known as the Jackass Hill vineyard. Over 135 years later, Martinelli Winery has become a staple in the area with some of the best wine produced in California.
It’s hard to believe until 2024 I had not had the chance to visit and when I did I loved the historic tasting room as well as the fabulous wines. This is a historic Sonoma County Winery and family you must get to know. Be sure to plan a visit to Martinelli. I hear their gardens are gorgeous during the summer so something to plan for during the summer months. 3360 River Rd, Windsor, CA 95492
What a fabulous tasting experience at Martinelli. This was perfect with a few girlfriends in the lovely tasting room. We learned some rich history and sipped on delicious Russian River Wines. My kind of afternoon!
MAURITSON WINES
Located in the beautiful Dry Creek Valley, Mauritson Wines offers small production and single vineyard estate wines. The Mauritson family has been growing grapes in the Dry Creek Valley for over 150 years so you know that you are sipping on the finest wine. I’ve visited the winery on a number of occasions and their wines along with their hospitality is spectacular. 2859 Dry Creek Rd, Healdsburg, CA 95448. I even got to sit down with the Founder and Owner Clay Mauritson to do an Instagram Live earlier this year, which you must check out here!
Photos courtesy of Mauritson Wines
PEAY VINEYARDS
Peay Vineyards is a Sonoma Coast destination I’ve had the pleasure of visiting and falling in LOVE with. While admiring the incredible vineyard landscape and exquisite wines, I tasted their estate Pinot Noir Wines (which are beyond fabulous and any Pinot Noir lover must be familiar with. Speaking of their great wines, Peay Vineyards was at my inaugural Pinots & Plaid 2019 in San Francisco. It’s truly a brand I adore! 227 Treadway Dr, Cloverdale, CA 95425
Portalupi Wines
Portalupi Wines is made in California with Italian expression in every sip. This combination of flavors is truly one of a kind. They have a cozy tasting room with amazing service. This family owned winery takes their roots to the next level with the fantastic wine they produce here in California. 107 North St, Healdsburg, CA 95448
Photo Courtesy of Portalupi Wines.
RADIO-COTEAU WINERY
Radio-Coteau Winery is one of the best wineries in Sebastopol. The ranch sits on a beautiful 42-acre vineyard that holds two gardens and raises animals. They strive to be good stewards of the land by embracing regenerative practices, which include planting a diverse array of native plants, fruit trees, and vegetable gardens. I love this winery as they are also featured in my Best Sebastopol Wineries to Experience. 2040 Barlow Ln, Sebastopol, CA 95472
Photos courtesy of Radio-Coteau Winery
RAEN Winery
RAEN Winery is my latest Sonoma discovery. RAEN has a beautiful vineyard very close to the Sonoma Coastline in Sebastopol. This makes their wine super unique. During my visit, I tasted some absolutely delicious Pinot Noirs (my favorite), and both myself and Ernie were treated so well because they’re dog-friendly too! We had an absolutely amazing time and can’t wait to visit again soon. 6780 McKinley St, Sebastopol, CA 95472
Raen Winery is also dog-friendly. Ernie and I had the best visit. Read more about my favorite Sonoma Dog-Friendly Wineries on the blog here and Napa Dog-Friendly Wineries here.
REEVE WINES
Kelly and Noah Dorrance launched Reeve Wines looking to add another adventure to their business portfolio as their existing wine label, Banshee Wines (which they have since sold), had been very successful. Located in Healdsburg, the winery has a historic/vintage feel to it and the tastings are held on a patio surrounded by beautiful views. In addition to the fabulous wine I got to try, I really enjoyed my experience at the winery with the winemakers. 4551 Dry Creek Rd, Healdsburg, CA 95448.
Read more about My Spectacular Visit to Reeve Winery here.
ROCHIOLI VINEYARDS & WINERY
Rochioli Vineyards & Winery have earned the reputation as one of Sonoma County’s finest wineries. The vineyard is situated in a very diverse part of the Russian River Valley and is divided into several unique blocks. Armed with an intimate knowledge of the soil, the climate, and grapes, they have been successful as growers, and as winemakers of rich and elegant wines. 6192 Westside Rd, Healdsburg, CA 95448
Photos courtesy of Rochioli Vineyards & Winery
SANGIACOMO FAMILY VINEYARDS
Sangiacomo Family Vineyards is a third-generation family business in Sonoma, California that grows premium wine grapes. They seek to produce the highest quality fruit with the lowest environmental impact possible. With over fifty years of experience growing premium wine grapes, the quality and service are above all. I definitely experienced the best possible service when I visited. 21545 Broadway, Sonoma, CA 95476.
Read more about my experience here: My Unforgettable Harvest with Sangiacomo Family Vineyards
Photos courtesy of Sangiacomo Family Vineyards
SKIPSTONE WINERY
Located in the lovely Geyserville area that I’ve grown quite fond of, is the charming Skipstone Winery. This was a winery I kept hearing about and was told I HAD to visit it and that I would fall in love and boy was I impressed! Check out my blog to see My Fabulous Skipstone Wine Tasting.
It almost feels as if you are walking upon a castle when you arrive to the Skipstone Winery.
TROMBETTA FAMILY WINES
Trombetta Family Wines is another great example of family-owned. I always look forward to visiting and trying some of the best Pinot Noir Wine. This is one of the most smooth, elegant Pinot Noir Wines that I’ve had in ages and I adore it. Watch my Instagram Live with Winemaker Erica Stancliff on IG TV here.
What do you think?