Pedroncelli: A Century of Sonoma Valley Winemaking Innovation

For over 100 years, the Pedroncelli family has been a driving force in Sonoma’s Dry Creek Valley. From their pioneering roots to current-day innovation, each generation has left its mark, ensuring their legacy of exceptional wines continues to flourish.

This has been a family business since 1927 when Giovanni and Julia Pedroncelli Sr. purchased a vineyard and shuttered winery in Sonoma’s Dry Creek Valley. In the beginning, due to Prohibition, they had to sell grapes to home winemakers to stay afloat. There’s some heritage here. The Pedroncelli family was the first to put Sonoma County on a wine label when the area was designated in the late 1940s. The name Pedroncelli is Italian for Summer.

The family has been making wine since 1934, starting with bulk wines and evolving into legacy wines that continue to get great wine scores from critics. Now, the fourth generation of family members continues the family legacy.

Julie and her father, Jim, at the 90th anniversary party

The 90th celebration of Pedroncelli Wines brought me together with Julie Pedroncelli and Ed St. John. Nearly a decade later, I spent time with the couple to hear about their exciting plans as they approach their 100th year in the business. Being completely honest, I love this family and am honored to tell the story about my friends and see their progress.

Some of the New Branding Reflected, Photo Courtesy of Pedroncelli

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