There is a homey feel to this historic family-run winery, where you can taste a range of Zinfandels and Italian-style wines while enjoying their tree-shaded property right in town.

Just a few blocks away from the quaint downtown square of Healdsburg is Seghesio Family Vineyards -- Bonded Winery #56, one of the oldest wineries in the Sonoma County. Their extensive gardens are a relaxing, calming place with fountains, benches, mature shade trees -- including an old “cork” tree -- two bocce ball courts, a demonstration vineyard and a pizza oven for events and cooking class use.

Inside the Mediterranean-style tasting center there are gift items and wine accessories for sale, and the mood is casual and friendly. Black & white photographs adorn the walls and a fireplace warms the room. There are two private VIP tasting rooms, where wine and food pairing classes are offered Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays starting at 10am. (Call for reservations.)

Edoardo Seghesio emigrated from Piedmonte, Italy, in the late 1880s, taking work at the region’s leading winery at the time, Italian Swiss Colony.
“The Colony,” as it was known, hired immigrants for three-year stints, providing room and board, as well as a lump sum at the end of those three years that enabled employees to buy land or set up a business in their new homeland.

Four generations later, they are still at it producing their flagship Zinfandel wines, as well as Pinot Noir, Pinot Grigio, Barbera, Sangiovese and some red blends. They also produce some less-common Italian varietals such as Aglianico and Arneis, the “little rascal” white wine from their Russian River vineyards.

The family owns six Sonoma County vineyards located in Dry Creek Valley, Russian River Valley and Alexander Valley.