In Sonoma County, the story of wine is written not just in the vineyards but in the stories of those who have shaped its legacy for generations. This year’s “Taste with the Legends” session at Ramey Cellars and the Century Club dinner at Dutton Ranch offered a rare glimpse behind the label, where iconic winemakers and multi-generational farming families gather to share their journeys. From the pioneering vision of David Ramey and the trailblazing spirit of Joel Peterson to the steadfast stewardship of the Duttons, Rafanellis, and Sanchiettis, these events celebrate the roots of Sonoma’s winemaking heritage—and the passionate people preserving its past and ensuring its future.
Legends in the Barrel Room: Ramey Cellars’ Hall of Fame
Our first session was a gathering at Ramey Cellars. David Ramey, the godfather of California Chardonnay, poured a magnum of Hyde Vineyard 2014, sharing stories about Carneros way back when. Rod Berglund of Joseph Swan, whose Pinot Noirs are as layered as his stories, laughed with Greg LaFollette (Ancient Oak), a winemaker who’s as passionate about soil microbes as he is about old vines. Joel Peterson, the Zinfandel whisperer behind Ravenswood and Once & Future, poured a 1990 Old Hill Ranch Zin, proving that Sonoma’s roots run deep. They also discussed making Sonoma an established region in 2014 and the diversity of varietals the region produces today.
What was striking wasn’t just the rare wines in the glass, but the camaraderie and love of farming. These are winemakers who’ve seen it all: Droughts, wildfires, market booms and busts. They talked about the evolution of Sonoma’s wine scene with the same reverence as a favorite vintage — how innovation and tradition are always in tension, but always in service of the land and the next generation.
The Century Club: Where Legacy and Farmers Meet
We had an incredible dinner at Dutton Ranch celebrating The Century Club where the families gathered around one long table, passing platters and pouring wines.
These aren’t just growers—they’re stewards of the land, with family stories that stretch back a hundred years or more. Joe and Steve Dutton talk about planting their first vines when apple orchards still ruled the landscape. Mark Sanchietti shares how his family weathered Prohibition and the rise of boutique wineries. Each family has faced challenges, but their resilience is as much a part of Sonoma’s terroir as the Goldridge soil.
Why It Matters: Passing the Baton, Pouring the Future
What makes these gatherings special is seeing the lessons learned from the past and an understanding of the need to build momentum in the future. The legends and Century Club families aren’t content to keep things status quo. They’re mentoring young winemakers, experimenting with sustainable practices, and protecting Sonoma’s sense of place. Their stories are a living bridge between the past and the future, proof that in Sonoma, legacy isn’t just about looking back. It’s about lifting up the next generation and making changes that improve the vineyards.
It’s clear that Sonoma’s winemaking legacy is more than just a chapter in California’s wine history — it’s a tradition carried forward by visionaries and families who honor the past and push innovation. From the legendary winemakers pouring decades-old bottles at Ramey Cellars to the Century Club families talking about the past 100 years at Dutton Ranch, the spirit of Sonoma is defined by resilience, innovation, and a deep-rooted commitment to community.
