Madrone Estate at the Valley of the Moon Winery
Madrone Estate at the Valley of the Moon Winery
777 Madrone Road
Glen Ellen, CA 95442
(707) 939-4500
Madrone Estate at the Valley of the Moon Winery is one of Sonoma’s oldest wine properties, and one of our favorites for Sonoma Valley group wine tours! Our guests love the sense of history here, as well as well as the winery’s commitment to the future. At the Valley of the Moon Winery, stewardship of the land and a sense of community make for both exceptional wine and a celebration of the best Sonoma Valley has to offer. The Madrone Estate at Valley of the Moon Winery is truly an emblem of the area’s rich history and bright future.
Vines were first planted on the property over 150 years ago, when George Whitman developed a 60-acre winery estate. He helped the whole area develop too, giving some of his land over to new railroad tracks to bring customers and commerce to Sonoma. Between the vineyard’s beginnings and Prohibition, the land changed hands several times, and was finally purchased by Italian sausage-makers who gave the winery the name “Valley of the Moon,” to call attention to its long connection with Sonoma Valley.
Today, the current owners still make use of a stone winery constructed on the land in 1887 by then-owner Eli Sheppard. In 1998, they added a cutting-edge winemaking facility, where they make high quality wines from some of the oldest Zinfandel vines in Sonoma County! As much care goes into farming at Valley of the Moon as to winemaking, in order to preserve the rich, nuanced flavors that owe so much to the local soil and climate.
The winery’s portfolio offers approachable, food-friendly wines built on the unique qualities of specific vineyards and vineyard blocks. Valley of the Moon bottlings feature Sonoma Classics like Pinot Noir and Zinfandel, while the Madrone Estate line offers limited-production, luxury bottles that showcase the estate vineyards. The Stewart Family Reserve strikes a balance between the two, with bottlings of flagship varietals like Zin, Cab, and Chardonnay.
Of course, the best part of bringing our Sonoma group wine tours to Valley of the Moon are the tastings, and the winery provides several experiences depending on the interests of your group. You can taste in the relaxed salon or enjoy a seated flight on the patio, with Bocce courts and a gorgeous view. Tours are also available, as well as savory or sweet paired tastings. Thursdays through Mondays, the Window Block Kitchen offers a decadent menu of dishes perfect for Valley of the Moon wines. Try grilled stuffed artichokes or Bodega Bay clam chowder, or order ahead for a gourmet plated lunch. For the ultimate meal, make reservations ahead of time for the seasonal three-course menu paired with wine.
The beauty of Sonoma Valley comes together with its history at Madrone Estate at Valley of the Moon Winery. It’s the perfect destination or our Sonoma group wine tours, and also for celebrations of all kinds! Check out the video below to see why so many have chosen the estate for weddings and other special events. Members of the wine club enjoy release parties, “Classic Vinyl Sundays,” and more!
Join us on an exciting Sonoma wine tasting tour through historic Sonoma Valley. We want our guests to enjoy a comfortable ride, taste delicious wines of the area, experience an amazing lunch from a local restaurant, and learn about the wineries and history of the area. Learn more here – reserve online here – or call to reserve now: (707) 938-2600.