World-famous Sonoma Valley – renowned for incredible wine and before that, apples, pears, cherries and a glorious abundance of other fruit and vegetables. Of course, long before the first crops were planted in the bucolic Valley of the Moon, indigenous people called the area home for more than 12,000 years. Grapes arrived with Spanish missionaries in the early 19th century with the first vines planted by Padre Jose Altimira at Mission San Francisco Solano in the city of Sonoma in 1823. Taking root some two-hundred years ago, those first plants have spawned an industry few could have imagined at the time.

Although the Sonoma Valley didn’t officially gain American Viticultural status (AVA or appellation) until 1981, it now comprises an astonishing 14,000-plus acres of vineyards and somewhere in the vicinity of 100 wineries and tasting rooms. The valley’s gorgeous rolling vineyards stretch all the way from the mountainous northern reaches of Kenwood to the flatter, windier Carneros region in the south. Each AVA brings its own unique and special flavor profile to the grapes grown there.

FARMING FAMILIES

The legacy of generations has impacted the world of wine

The Sangiacomo family began farming pears on what is known as their Home Ranch, a property dating back to the mid-1800s. Farming ever since, the family added table and wine grapes, keeping the fruit trees which included the pears as well as apples, peaches, prunes and cherries as the ranch expanded to 400 acres from its original 88. Third generation family partner, Steve Sangiacomo, is aligned with siblings Mike and Mia as the family farm continues to move forward. “Our grandparents settled in this beautiful town in 1927 and we’ve been so fortunate to have farmed in Sonoma Valley for over 95 years,” said Sangiacomo. “We are grateful to have a multi-generational business and are overwhelmed to see how special this community has become. The 200th anniversary of farming in the valley is an important milestone and one we are excited to be a part of and help celebrate. Now we’re looking forward to the next 200 years!”

Last month, the Sangiacomo family was named Sonoma County Wine Celebration Honoree by the Sonoma County Vintners and Growers for their contributions to the local community.

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Hailing from one of the valley’s oldest farming families, Taylor Serres Murnig is the fifth of six generations to live on the sprawling Serres Ranch property. Also celebrating a milestone anniversary, the ranch turns 100 years old in 2024 and, according to Serres Murnig, has been about farming from beginning to end. “Our family is grateful for the land on which we have grown up and have the good fortune to work to this day. Whether we are farming or ranching, our primary focus is on the daily dance with Mother Nature,” said Serres Murnig. Today, Serres Ranch grows sustainably farmed world-class grapes as well as blueberries, which are a highly anticipated treat each summer.

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Gloria Ferrer Winery, the first sparkling winery in Carneros, was founded in 1986 by Gloria and José Ferrer, long before it became an established AVA. They recognized the ideal climate for Pinot Noir and Chardonnay — and thus the perfect terroir for brilliant sparkling wines. The Ferrers, with their deep-rooted expertise from their family’s renowned sparkling wine estate in Spain, brought their legacy to California. The winery was established with a vision to create exceptional sparkling wines using traditional méthode champenoise techniques. The estate focuses on sustainable farming practices, including organic farming methods, to preserve the land and enhance grape quality. This commitment to sustainability and heritage has helped Gloria Ferrer establish a reputation for excellence, producing elegant, award-winning wines that reflect both its historical roots and innovative spirit.

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A story about Sonoma Valley’s original farm families would not be complete without including the colorful history of Agoston Haraszathy. Elected the Sheriff of San Diego in 1850, he built the first jail there, serving for two years before moving north in pursuit of gold and the perfect terroir for fine wines.  He found it in Sonoma where he established Buena Vista Winery in 1857.  From that point forward, the self-proclaimed “Count of Buena Vista” was a vivacious and eccentric pioneer with a veritable love and unending commitment to California wine. An experimental innovator and vintner, a respected author and shrewd businessman, and a brilliant and incredibly zealous promoter, The Count is considered California’s most acclaimed and flamboyant vinicultural pioneer and evangelist. His legacy continues to this day with the Buena Vista tagline, “Our Future is Our Past.”

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Leveroni Vineyards – The Leveroni family has been a cornerstone of Sonoma County's agricultural landscape for generations, blending tradition with innovation in their farming practices. Joe Leveroni and Pat Stornetta, a brother-sister team, are winegrowers on their 570-acre Home Ranch with its 250 acres of vineyard and the family’s dairy of 500 milking cows. They continue a four-generation tradition of farming and conservation that has preserved this historic site since 1886. Their Sonoma Valley Appellation vineyards are planted in Chardonnay and Pinot Noir … separated from the Carneros District Appellation by Leveroni Road, the scenic wine country corridor that bears their family name.

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Ned Hill’s father, Steve, moved to Sonoma in 1979 and farmed some of the first grapes on the west side of the valley. He worked for his lifelong friend, Ed Durrell, managing the Durrell Ranch for some 30-odd years. As Durrell’s reputation grew, the elder Hill quickly became known as a supplier of quality wine grapes. Following in his father’s footsteps, young Ned started working the vineyards at age 9, driving a tractor by 12 and was soon ensconced in the family business. As the owner of La Prenda Vineyard Management and La Prenda Wines, Ned’s philosophy of farming is based in community and he said, “You can’t get through 200 years of farming without a great community behind you.”  Calling himself the “CTO” for Chief Tractor Operator, Ned is proud to continue the legacy set by the valley’s families, his among them.

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The Sebastiani name is eponymous with Sonoma Valley. When Samuele Sebastiani emigrated from the Tuscany region of Italy in 1895, he set off a chain reaction that reverberates throughout the valley to this day. A stonemason by trade, he saved enough money to purchase land in Sonoma, starting Sebastiani Winery in 1904 and making wine for the Sonoma community and restaurants of San Francisco. His great grandson, Chris Sebastiani is a fourth generation Sonoman who carries on the tradition with pride. “My family could not be more honored to have played a role in helping Sonoma Valley become the world-renowned winemaking region it is, “said Sebastiani. “We hold our collective past close to our heart and look to the future with optimism and dedication to continue the tradition of excellence we have all created.”

In Sonoma Valley, the legacy of old farming families like these  is deeply intertwined with the region's rich agricultural heritage. Five generations of the Kunde family have been responsibly cultivating exceptional wines on for more than 100 years.
These families have cultivated the land with a profound sense of tradition and stewardship. For generations, they’ve tended to vineyards and pastures, preserving methods passed down through the ages while adapting to the evolving demands of modern agriculture. They represent a living history of resilience, innovation, and community.

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SUSTAINABILITY

There cannot be enough said about the importance of sustainable farming for the future of the earth.

Sonoma Valley, and the larger county, are leading the world in sustainability and regenerative farming, using agriculture as part of the climate solution. In the valley, nowhere is this more evident than at Gundlach Bundschu. The Bundschu family has farmed the land for 165 years and takes a proactive approach in responding to climate change. Meghan Murphy is the brand’s sustainability manager. “We work with Mother Nature, not against her,” said Murphy. “This led us to achieve our Regenerative Organic Certification in 2023, which encourages us to constantly improve. Whether that be through new sustainable technologies or introducing new soil health measures, sustainability is a path of continual improvement that will keep us on our toes and learning indefinitely. In five to ten years, I see us continuing to implement more animals and technology into our farming program, reducing tillage, and taking a deeper look into the sustainability of our entire supply chain, including grower, procurement, and distribution partners.”

From Vine to Wine: Exploring St. Francis Winery’s Commitment to Sustainability

At St. Francis Winery & Vineyards, sustainability is a way of life, not just a buzzword. For more than 50 years, this winery has combined a deep commitment to the environment with its passion for crafting exceptional wines. St. Francis Winery, named after the patron saint of animals and ecology, is dedicated to preserving the ecological health of their estate vineyards while crafting premium wines from renown regions throughout Sonoma County. As a Certified California Sustainable vintner and winery, St. Francis balances its love for fine wine with a dedication to environmental stewardship, social equity, and economic viability. This commitment is reflected in every aspect of its operations, ensuring that Sonoma County remains as beautiful as ever for future generations.  St. Francis Winery & Vineyards integrates sustainability into every aspect of its operations, from using cover crops, recycled compost, and natural predators to maintain soil health and balance ecosystems. Efficient water management practices include repurposing water from the facility to irrigate vines and rerouting rainwater to prevent erosion and protect groundwater. A 457-kilowatt solar system supplies over 40% of the winery’s electricity needs, further enhancing energy efficiency. The winery also blends its own nutrient-rich compost by recycling pomace from the winemaking process and blending it with locally sourced cow manure. This compost is processed offsite and returned to the vineyards each spring to replenish key nutrients, creating a closed-loop system that reduces waste and nurtures soil health, setting St. Francis apart in its commitment to sustainability. Beyond its green initiatives, St. Francis Winery is committed to community enrichment. It supports animal charities like Canine Companions®, which provides assistance dogs to individuals with disabilities. The annual “Blessing of the Animals” fundraiser supports local animal nonprofits, and the Joe Martin Day of Service reflects the winery’s dedication to social responsibility, honoring its founder through community volunteer work each June. St. Francis Winery’s thoughtful approach to winemaking extends beyond the vineyard, fostering a legacy of sustainability, integrity, and community support. Every bottle not only offers exceptional craftsmanship but also supports a winery committed to making a positive impact.

Located in the heart of Sonoma Valley in Glen Ellen, Benziger Family Winery is known as a leader in eco-conscious and organic winegrowing. This 85-acre estate, founded by the Benziger Family over 40 years ago, impresses with rustic beauty, sweeping landscapes and rich biodiversity – the beautiful ranch buzzes with the sounds of wildlife, beneficial insects and farm animals. Today, the entire estate Biodynamically® farmed (the highest level of organic farming), and produces an award-winning portfolio of red, white, and rosé wines.

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THE FUTURE

Over the past 200 years, farming has brought earthiness, grit, and an incredible community culture to the Sonoma Valley.

Families have been built on a farming ethic of hard work that reaps great rewards in terms of wine, food, culture and more. There are so many reasons to visit the incomparable Sonoma Valley including farms tours, tasting experiences, and classes in sustainability and regenerative farming to name a few. Don’t miss all that this incredible valley has to offer.

Celebrate Sonoma

127th Valley of the Moon Vintage Festival