A former hop kiln built in 1947 now houses the winemaking efforts of winemaker Deanna Starr and her husband Ted, a computer software designer. The redwood barn is right off the highway just south of Hopland; it warmly welcomes visitors to its cozy tasting room, inviting them to sample their tasty red and white wines, late-harvest Zinfandel and their jammy ports.

Milano produces small quantities of handcrafted, limited bottlings of Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Zinfandel, Carignane, Charbono, Valdiguie and port. The grapes are sourced from nearby Mendocino County Vineyards. The winery is CCOF organically certified, with some of the wines produced without the use of additives. The winery is small enough to “pamper each individual barrel,” according to Deanna Starr.

Past the wine-barrel fountain and up a flight of stairs, you enter the Milano tasting room and gift shop. The dark-wood interior and beamed ceiling create a warm and attractive space. There are lots of unique gift items and wine accessories.

Outside is a menagerie of farm animals, including chickens, llamas, goats,
pot-bellied pigs, and curly-headed geese.