Sonoma County has many small family-owned wineries. In fact, most of the 425 or so wineries in the county fall in this category. It's just that you haven't heard of most of them.
Following is a sampling of small wineries having tasting available. If you're looking for a lavish environment to sample wines, this isn't it, as none of these are too fancy. They are operations that put their money back into the grapes and the winemaking rather than architecture, fountains, and landscaping.
These are all premium Sonoma County wineries, for sure, but none will break the bank.
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| Wine tasting at Buena Vista Winery, Sonoma, 1959 when they were all small and family-owned image from Wine Institute of California |
Because these are small operations, don't expect to find their wines in a local store. Some only sell directly to the customer from their website or to winery visitors. If you want to stop by, make a reservation. Many aren't open every day; some might not be able to host visitors during the harvest season (roughly Sept and Oct).
The good news is you're often greeted by a member of the family; perhaps the person making the wine. You'll get a personalized experience rather than a tasting room employee who might repeat the same thing dozens of times a day.
Don't call them cult wineries, as none are exclusive (aka snooty) or pricey enough to earn that title. They're just farmers running a small business.
Acorn Winery
Field blended wines from their Alegria Estate Vineyard, first planted in 1890. They make ten wines, including oddballs like Alvarinho (a Portuguese white) and Dolcetto (an Italian red). Their best known wine is probably the Heritage Zinfandel.
Amphora
Started by a local guy who's been in the wine biz since he was 20 with his first few barrels of wine stored in his garage and sold to friends. Now he makes twenty wines, including the usual suspects like Cabernet and Merlot, but a few lesser known ones like Aglianico and Vermentino.
Bennett Valley Cellars
In the small, and little known Bennett Valley growing area that's defined by volcanic soils and mountains on three sides. This winery is younger than most on the list, as it's been around only about a decade, started by an Italian immigrant. They specialize in Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. Their tasting room is in the town of Sonoma.
De La Montanya Winery
They make over twenty estate wines, but all are in small lots. Their prices are a bit higher than some, with most wines over $45. The winery makes several Pinot Noirs and Cabernets.
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| De La Montanya |
Inspiration Vineyards
A "business park winery" in Santa Rosa making
about 1,000 cases a year. You might be surprised at how many tiny
wineries operate out of a light industrial area. He's been around for
twenty years making a few different wines including Viognier, Grenache,
and Syrah. All made to go with food and reasonably priced -- both of
those qualities should be in all wines.
Little Vineyards
Yep, there's a Little family who owns a Little vineyard making a Little wine in Sonoma Valley. They've heard 'em all. They are mostly about Zins, Cabs, and Syrah, so the wines really aren't that Little. The Cabernets are over 50 bucks, so those are a Little pricey. Stop in some time and hear their Little story. Okay, I'm done now.
Chris Loxton is from a multi-generation grape growing family in Australia. He practices what you'd call low intervention winemaking. Zinfandel and Syrah make up the bulk of the production, but there are several others, all at reasonable prices. Loxton is only about four miles from Little Vineyards, so it really takes Little time to visit both. I know, I promised to stop.
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| Chris Loxton |
Mounts Family Winery
After several generations of grape growing, the family started their own winery less than 20 years ago. They still sell most of their grapes to other wineries. The Mounts family makes Zinfandel, Cabernet, and several Rhone varietals.
Ramazzotti Wines
Giuseppe Ramazzotti and family immigrated from Italy to Dry Creek Valley in the 1950s. They went from grape growers to winery owners about 20 years ago, making about 20 wines, mostly priced in the $30s and $40s. Don't miss the Sangiovese.
Two Shepherds
A very small operation using low intervention wine making, specializing in Rhone grapes. He likes doing new things, so there's wine in cans and orange wine (white wine with skin contact for color and flavor). They tend to be low alcohol wines by California standards. Prices are quite reasonable.
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| Two Shepherds, where the owner/winemaker and his partner do it all |
Photos from the winery's websites unless otherwise mentioned
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