Larson Family Winery
At Larson Family Winery, “Family” is the operative word. Since the late 1800s, five generations of Larsons have lived and worked on their land in Sonoma Valley’s Carneros region, first as a dairy, then in racehorse breeding and rodeos, before finding their calling in wine. Today, they organically farm 100 acres of estate vineyards, and bottle 5,000 cases of wine for direct sale. Their customers are also treated more like extended family than merely consumers, as the Larson have created an environment where everyone, including children and dogs, are warmly welcomed. In addition to myriad wine tasting and food pairing options, there’s plenty of family fun to be enjoyed throughout the year, including lawn games, harvest parties featuring grape stomping, U-pick pumpkins and Halloween costume contests, and even visits with Santa. And no visit to the winery would be complete without Larson’s top greeters, their winery pups Rosko, Louie, Gus, and Rocky! In this Member Spotlight, we chat with co-owner Becky Larson about the past, present, and future hopes for this family business.
Larson Family Winery, 23355 Millerick Road, Sonoma, CA 95476; larsonfamilywinery.com
Farm Trails member since 2007
How did you get started?
Our family has been farming in Sonoma since 1877. The land the winery sits on was purchased in 1899, and we are the fifth generation to live and work here. What started as a dairy, then a racehorse breeding and training facility, and once home to the largest rodeo in northern California, is now planted in 70 acres of grapes. We do it all from grape to glass! At Larson, we have a deep passion and love for crafting exceptional wines, and we do it while living a hardworking and fun-loving country lifestyle. We pride ourselves on being fun for the whole family, as well as the four-legged ones. With a dedication and commitment to sustainable and organic practices, we feel blessed to be able to share our handcrafted, estate wines with others. We planted our first vines in 1978 and began making home wine in 1985, and when we made more wine that we could drink, we decided to start the winery – hence our slogan – “We drink what we can and sell the rest!” We are driven by our unwavering passion for farming, and we are proud to be able to contribute to the rich agricultural heritage of our region.
What do you grow?
At Larson Family Winery, we take pride in cultivating a diverse array of grape varietals suited to our region’s unique terroir. Our awesome vineyard crew meticulously maintains our vines which are all certified organic, and thus help us to produce the highest quality fruit for our wines. We grow Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Gewurztraminer, Pinot Grigio, Albariño, and Cabernet Sauvignon. Our commitment to organic and sustainable farming practices ensures that we not only produce exceptional wines but also steward the land for future generations.
What do you find most rewarding about your work?
What we find most rewarding about our work at Larson Family Winery is the opportunity to connect people with our land, our wines, and our story. Every day, we have the privilege of sharing our passion for winemaking and the fruits of our labor with our guests. Seeing the smiles on their faces as they enjoy our wines and experience the beauty of our vineyards is truly gratifying. Our mission statement is to “Make Great Memories” and creating memorable experiences for our visitors, staff and community is what drives us to continue our work with great enthusiasm and dedication.
What do you value as a member of Farm Trails?
As members of Farm Trails, we value the sense of community and camaraderie that comes from being part of this organization. Farm Trails connects us with fellow farmers, producers, and artisans who share our passion for organic and sustainable agriculture. Additionally, Farm Trails provides us with a platform to engage with our community, educate visitors about the importance of supporting local agriculture, and highlight the unique offerings of our winery and vineyards. We are proud to be members of Farm Trails and to contribute to the vibrant agricultural landscape of our region.
What are your hopes for the future of your business and/or Sonoma County agriculture?
Our hopes for the future of our business and Sonoma County agriculture are deeply intertwined. The fifth generation of the family is now working the land, and gaining experience and knowledge to help them continue producing exceptional wines that showcase the unique terroir of our region while maintaining our commitment to organic and sustainable farming practices. We envision expanding our offerings to include new and innovative experiences for guests, so they have even more opportunities to connect with our land and our wines.
Furthermore, we are dedicated to playing a proactive role in the preservation and promotion of Sonoma County agriculture. We hope to see continued collaboration among local farmers, producers, and organizations like Farm Trails to strengthen our agricultural community and promote agritourism in the region. By working together, we can raise awareness about the importance of supporting local agriculture and ensure the long-term viability of our farms, vineyards, and rural landscapes.
Ultimately, our goal is to contribute to a thriving agricultural economy in Sonoma County that benefits both our community and the land we steward. We are optimistic about the future and look forward to continuing our journey as proud members of the Sonoma County agricultural community.
What advice would you share with someone starting out in your line of business?
If we could share one piece of advice with a new farmer or someone starting out in the winemaking business, it would be to cultivate patience and perseverance. Farming and winemaking are inherently unpredictable endeavors that require dedication, hard work, and a willingness to adapt to the ever-changing conditions of nature. There will inevitably be challenges along the way, whether it’s adverse weather, pests, or market fluctuations, but it’s important to remain resilient and keep sight of your long-term goals.
Additionally, I would encourage new farmers and winemakers to seek out mentorship and education from experienced professionals in the industry. Learning from those who have walked the path before you can provide invaluable insights and guidance to help navigate the complexities of farming and winemaking.
Above all, never lose sight of your passion for the land and the craft of winemaking. It’s that passion that will sustain you through the challenges and ultimately lead to success in your farming endeavors.
Photos by Lisa Rose / The Farmers Photographer