Inside the Tasting Rooms
Martin Ray Winery - History Repeats Itself, and How!

Martin Ray Winery is the oldest winery in continuous operation in Sonoma County and one of the oldest in California. It is also one of the most charming! As you drive up the beautifully landscaped drive you'll see the old winery operations building still in use as it has been for almost 130 years. This building also houses 30 of the few remaining 11,000 gallon old growth redwood tanks dating back to 1904.

The cozy and well appointed antique tasting room is housed in what was once the stable and bunkhouse for the Italian immigrants during harvest season. It is wonderful to walk through this winery and feel the sense of hard work, pride and accomplishment that has steered this place for over a century. And, it still rings true today.

Martin Ray Winery, the third steward to occupy this historic place, has a story all it's own. In 1990 the winery's owner, Courtney Benham, came across a warehouse full of 1500 cases on Martin Ray wines dating back more than 40 years. Martin Ray was a well-known pioneer and visionary to winemaking in the 1950's and is frequently called "the father of California fine wines." He also carried with him a reputation as a iconoclast who rejected mediocrity. Courtney was inspired by this "no compromise" approach and dedicated himself to making wines in this same style, ones that Martin Ray himself would be proud of.

Martin Ray winery specializes in using hillside vineyards and intuitive winemaking…..a method that brings rich ripe fruit and a keen sense of the craft together in one long, elegant finish.

Visiting Martin Ray winery is a very special treat because it is off the beaten path and offers the luxury of time and space, inviting you to slow down and immerse yourself in a more personal wine tasting experience, one that has been shared by the many generations that have come before you.

Martin Ray Winery is located at: 2191 Laguna Rd, Santa Rosa, CA 95401. And can be reached at: 707-823-2404

They are also a participant in our Tasting Pass Wine Club!

Every tasting room in Napa and Sonoma County
Wine Tasting Room Maps