This tour visits some family-owned Legacy Vineyards in Sonoma County. These 9 families have each farmed their land for over a century, contributing significantly to the region’s esteemed wine industry.

Notable Century Club Families and Their Wineries:

  • Azevedo Family – Azevedo A-Bar Ranch (Est. 1904): Located in Healdsburg, the Azevedo family has diversified their farming over the years, from timber and dairy cattle to prunes and wine grapes. The fifth generation continues this legacy today.
  • Bacigalupi & Gaddini Family – Bacigalupi Vineyards (Est. 1883): The Gaddini family’s original winery dates back to 1909. In 1956, Charles and Helen Bacigalupi acquired the Westside Road property, planting some of the first Pinot Noir in the Russian River Valley. Notably, their grapes contributed to the Chardonnay that won the 1976 Paris Tasting.
  • Bundschu Family – Bundschu Company (Est. 1858): The Bundschu family’s involvement in Sonoma County viticulture began in 1858. In 1973, Jim Bundschu revitalized the Gundlach Bundschu winery, which is now operated by the sixth generation, including the Abbot’s Passage winery in Sonoma Valley.
  • Dutton Family – Dutton Ranch (Est. 1880): Farming since the 1880s, Gail and Warren Dutton established Dutton Ranch in 1964 in Graton, initially focusing on apples and wine grapes. Today, their sons, Steve and Joe, along with the next generation, sustainably farm 1,400 acres of vineyards across Sonoma County.
  • Martinelli Family – Martinelli Winery & Vineyard (Est. 1860): The Martinelli family planted Zinfandel and Muscat Alexandria in the Russian River Valley during the 1880s. In the 1980s, they established a family winery, with three generations collaborating as farmers and vintners throughout the region.
  • Mauritson Family – Mauritson Farms (Est. 1868): Grape farming since 1868, the Mauritson family managed a 4,000-acre ranch in Rockpile, which later became Lake Sonoma. The fifth and sixth generations continue to cultivate grapes and produce wine under the Mauritson label.
  • Sebastiani Family – Sebastiani Vineyards & Winery (Est. 1904): Founded in 1904, the Sebastiani winery operated through Prohibition by producing sacramental wines. Today, multiple generations of the Sebastiani family are involved in various wine, spirits, and food ventures.
  • Seghesio Family – Seghesio Family Vineyards (Est. 1895): Arriving in Sonoma County in 1886, the Seghesio family planted Zinfandel and Sangiovese, some of the oldest in North America. They currently farm 300 acres of sustainably managed vineyards.
  • Young Family – Robert Young Estate Vineyards (Est. 1858): Settling in Alexander Valley in 1858, the Young family initially planted prunes before transitioning to wine grapes in the 1960s. They are renowned for the Robert Young Clone 17 of Chardonnay. The winery, established in 1997, is now managed by the fifth and sixth generations.

Visiting these Legacy Vineyards in Sonoma Country offers a unique opportunity to experience exceptional wines and delve into the stories that have shaped the County’s winemaking traditions. To truly appreciate this heritage, partnering with a knowledgeable tour service like Old Vine Wine Tours is essential.

Why Choose Old Vine Wine Tours?

  1. Expertise in Local Heritage: With deep roots in Sonoma County, Old Vine Wine Tours possesses an intimate understanding of the area’s wine history and the significance of its century-old vineyards.
  2. Customized Experiences: Recognizing that each wine enthusiast’s preferences are unique, they craft personalized tours that cater to individual tastes, ensuring a memorable and tailored experience.
  3. Exclusive Access: Their established relationships with local vintners provide guests with opportunities to visit esteemed wineries, some of which have been honored for their century-long contributions to Sonoma’s wine industry.
  4. Comfort and Convenience: Offering first-class transportation throughout Sonoma Valley, Santa Rosa, Healdsburg, and beyond, guests can relax and savor the journey without any logistical concerns.

Embarking on a tour with Old Vine Wine Tours not only enriches your appreciation of Sonoma County’s storied vineyards but also supports the preservation of its cherished winegrowing traditions. It’s an invitation to connect deeply with the land, the families, and the wines that have defined this remarkable region for generations.

Next Steps

Read Guest Testimonials Here! Book Your Old Vine Wine Tour or Email: events@oldvinewinetours.com or Call: 1-707-386-9859 from 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM Pacific Time Daily!