Sutro Winery Feature

Ahead of our family vacation in Sonoma & Napa last month, Beth did some research on woman-made wines and woman-owned winemakers to visit. In Sutro Winery, she found both, not to mention an incredible walking tour and delicious flight of wines with the owner/winemaker herself!

Alice Warnecke Sutro founded Sutro in 2012 and makes a small selection of delicious wine, made from grapes exclusively farmed by her family at Warnecke Ranch and Vineyard. Her grandfather John Carl Warnecke established the vineyard in 1973, planting a variety of grapes in the volcanic soil of these Mayacama Mountain foothills that roll right into the Russian River. The majority of grapes grown here are sold to other winemakers, but Alice keeps a few blocks of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Sauvignon Blanc, and this year Pinot Noir (which isn’t ready just yet) for Sutro winemaking. 

Alice offers tours and tastings by appointment only on Fridays, so plan ahead! We met her outside her house in the morning, wearing sneakers and sunblock in preparation for a hike around the property. Our welcoming committee included Alice and her cute vineyard pup, Hatch, who led the way, sprinting through the vines. 

For about an hour, we walked at a leisurely pace learning about Alice’s family’s history, the land’s significance, and her journey into winemaking. And let us tell you, when the itinerary is primarily driving from seated tasting to seated tasting, the chance to stretch your legs in the most beautiful setting is a great change of pace!

We then got in our car and followed Alice up the road to Medlock Ames Winery, where she makes and stores her wine and offers tastings. As such a small, independent operation, renting space and equipment from her neighbor is the best way for Alice to run her production. 

We enjoyed three bottles – the reds a worthwhile splurge for Witty Pairs – and look forward to more in the future!

Heading to Sonoma? If you’ll be there on a Friday, be sure to book your time with Alice!