The Heritage of Italian Wines in Sonoma County

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Joanne Natale Spigonardo

October 7, 2025

Vitner Inn Winery – Harvest Season

I had the pleasure of visiting Sonoma County this summer. It was my 8th visit to the area and this time I learned even more about the heritage of not only the Italian immigrants in the area, but also the influence of Italian winemaking there. The region is mostly known for its pinot noir, chardonnay, cabernet sauvignon, sauvignon blanc, negro amaro, and zinfandel. I was particularly intrigued by the zinfandel.

Zinfandel is also known as Primitivo, and it is nearly identical to the red wine grapes in Italy. It is an excellent table wine, that goes well with pasta, meat, cheese, and salumi, such as sopressata, and prosciutto.. It has many varitals such as rose and white wine versions of primitivo. Some historians say that immigrants from the Ligurian Coast brought primitivo plant cuttings from Liguria to Sonoma during the mass migration between 1870 – 1910. Many Italians in Sonoma County have roots from Genoa. They established agricultural colonies and flourished in their new homes. These immigrants maintained traditions, love of family, and generations of artisanal wine-making. They had a huge impact in Sonoma County and still do, and make an enormous contribution to the region’s economy and diverse and rich culture.

Award Winning Pinot Noir – Sangiacomo Vineyard

The agriculture and climate in Sonoma County is similar to wine country in Italy. The farmers in the area started their own boutique wineries and are producing some of the best wines in the United States. The people, like the wine, are genuine, kind, and embracers of the beautiful land they cultivate. Their respect for nature and its fruits are easily seen and tasted in the exquisite landscape of their vineyards and the excellence of their wines. Some of my favorite Italian wineries in Sonoma County are Sangiacomo Winery, Orsini Winery, and Saini Winery. All are excellent and renowned in fine restaurants and wine vendors nationally. I was really proud to see this long-time success of Italian immigrants in the area.

Negro Amaro – Orsini Vineyard
Zinfandel – Saini Vineyard

I’m all about the Made in Italy brand, but I must say Sonoma County sometimes surpasses imported Italian wines. While I often champion and purchase the fabulous wines from my mother land, I must say that the Italian wines from Sonoma County are becoming my go to, and often a front runner. They are artisanal, authentic, and just amazing! I hope you get to visit Sonoma County and its many Italian vineyards soon. Life is short so take the time to drink the good wine. Cin-Cin, Salute, Cheers!

About the Author

Joanne Natale Spigonardo has many years of experience in travel to Italy, Italian art, music, literature, film, history, wine, and cuisine. She is a lover of nature and beauty.  She is an advocate for Italian immigrant women, and the author of White Widow, which is available on Amazon. https://www.amazon.com/White-Widow-Joanne-Natale-Spigonardo/dp/B085DT65DB.  For more information about Joanne please visit her LinkedIn page:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/joanne-spigonardo-b4824a9/.

Sonoma County California

Published by spigonaj

Joanne Spigonardo Business Development Consultant Specializing in Sustainability, Higher Education, Career Management, and Public Relations In her former roles, Joanne served as Senior Associate Director at the Initiative for Global Environmental Leadership (IGEL) at Wharton. Joanne was also part of the Communications Office. She held positions as business manager of the Wharton Seminars for Business Journalists and for the Wharton Alumni Magazine. Joanne also served as the media relations coordinator. When with Alitalia Airlines, Joanne worked as a sales representative. Joanne graduated from The University of Pennsylvania with a BA and later graduated from the Wharton Aresty Institute of Executive Education. She has a strong background in development, management, marketing, and Italian language and culture. As a Wharton Mentor, she coached new employees on professional development, and is active in Penn’s Grievance panels. Joanne was on the board of governors for the University Club. Joanne is chair of the Delaware County Penn Alumni Interview Program and oversees alumni volunteers. As an alum of Penn and Wharton, and also a parent of two Penn graduates, she is a strong advocate in promoting Penn. At Wharton IGEL, Joanne had been in partnership with GreenBiz, Sustainable Brands, the Ethical Corporation, Pira Packaging International, Public Relations Society of America, the Green Sports Alliance, World Trade Center of Greater Philadelphia, the Italian Consulate, the Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce, the Sonoma County Winegrowers Association, and the Nature Conservancy, as well as, many other NGO and government offices. She has brokered hundreds of corporate relationships for Wharton. Joanne is the author of her book, White Widow, published on Kindle and Amazon. The book is a fictional novel about 19th-20th Century Italian immigrants. https://www.amazon.com/White-Widow-Joanne-Natale-Spigonardo/dp/B085DT65DB

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