Announcing the re-opening of the Sonocaia tasting room

June 12, 2026

Written by Ken Wornick

Backed by over 25 years of wine vintages, Ken is the author of these blog posts, and the founder and winemaker for his 11-acre Sonocaia Estate Winery which includes the Sagrantino vineyard, plus honey bees, chickens, vegetable gardens, olives, fruit orchards, composting, creek restoration, and many other farm and ranch projects.

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Sagrantino, Sonocaia Winery

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Dear Friends,

Sometimes it takes a while to get where you’re going, and even then you may not be entirely sure you’ve arrived. That is how I feel as I write this today. Over the years our passion for Sagrantino has grown into an obsession, and that obsession eventually became the Sonocaia Estate.

Today, I’m excited to share that Sonocaia Estate will officially re-open its new tasting experience to the public. Of course, no worthwhile endeavor is built alone.

Dominic Smith, proprietor of Domesday Wine and a close friend, has been instrumental in making this possible. Together, we have created a space that reflects many of the values we both hold dear: simplicity, intention, hospitality, and a belief that wine is ultimately about bringing people together.

Rather than opening a traditional tasting room, we’ve chosen to create something that feels more personal. Guests will taste among the barrels, overlooking the vineyard, in a setting designed to encourage conversation. With two distinct passionate brands in one setting. Very personal and high touch. And hosted only by the people who actually have their hands in the vineyard and the wines every day. Our hope is simple: that people leave feeling as though they have spent an afternoon with friends, old and new.

For those who have followed Sonocaia and Domesday from the beginning, this feels like a meaningful milestone. For those who are newer to the story, we would be honored to welcome you and share a glass.

Tastings are now available to reserve through CellarPass:

Click here to view and book via to Cellar Pass

The idea for Sonocaia Estate and the Sagrantino vineyard was in my head for over 25 years, and started with intention when we planted the vineyard 9 years ago. The winery was built in 2024 and the tasting room was opened in 2025 and then closed (for various reasons).

Now, in 2026 we are ready re-open and share three aged vintages:

2021 Sonocaia Estate Sagrantino – Very small production of our inaugural bottling. A rare find in California, Sagrantino is relatively unknown in the new world but is now sparking major curiosity and accolades from both the casual traveller and the serious wine critic.
2022 Sonocaia Estate Sagrantino – Gold, 96 Points, Cal State Fair, Gold, 94 Points, North Coast Wine Competition
2023 Sonocaia Estate Sagrantino – Double Gold, San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition

Small wineries survive because people believe in them, and we remain grateful for every person who has chosen to be part of this journey.

We hope to see you at the winery soon.

Warmly,

Ken Wornick, Owner and Founder, Sonocaia Estate, 100% Sagrantino, all day every day