Nestled in the heart of Sonoma County’s Dry Creek Valley, Unti Vineyards offers a unique wine tasting experience. Founded in 1990 by George and Linda Unti, this family-owned winery has carved a niche for itself in California’s wine scene with people in the know.
The Unti Family, with their deep love for Italian and French wines, took a bold step by planting grape varietals not commonly found in the region – Barbera, Grenache, Montepulciano, and Sangiovese – alongside the more traditional Zinfandel. Their dedication to organic farming since 2003 reflects their commitment to sustainability and letting the land speak for itself.
Intrigued by Unti’s focus on Mediterranean-style wines and their emphasis on showcasing the vineyard’s character, I recently embarked on a visit to explore their offerings firsthand. In this blog post, I’ll share my experience navigating the charming Unti property, delving into their unique approach to winemaking, and of course, tasting the results – a journey that I hope will inspire you to discover this hidden gem in Dry Creek Valley.
About Unti Vineyards
Location
Dry Creek Valley in Healdsburg
Tasting Fee
$25 per guest, waived with a bottle purchase
Sustainability
California Certified Organic Farm, Biodynamic, Heritage Vines, Dry Farmed
Accessibility
Small, single story property with level pavement and no steps.
In Three Words…
familial, terroir-driven, easygoing
My Visit to Unti Vineyards
Unlike the meticulously planned itineraries that often define wine country trips, my visit to Unti Vineyards was delightfully unplanned. On a sunny Sunday afternoon, with no appointment in hand, we found ourselves winding up Dry Creek Road, drawn in by the whispers of “hidden gem” that industry insiders had repeatedly shared.
Pulling up to Unti Vineyards, the initial impression was one of charming modesty. The unassuming exterior gave little hint of the warm welcome that awaited us inside.
Stepping into the tasting room, we were greeted by a friendly host whose passion for Unti Vineyards was immediately evident. Though we hadn’t met before, his enthusiasm for the wines and the property was infectious. This chance encounter instantly transformed the experience from a casual tasting into a fascinating exploration of Unti’s unique approach to winemaking.
The tasting room itself was a testament to Unti’s easygoing charm. Intimate and unpretentious, it offered a classic stand-up experience, where we could chat with the host and delve into the stories behind each wine. The small space, however, turned out to be a delightful asset. We struck up a conversation with another group tasting, and soon found ourselves swapping recommendations for hidden gems in the area, creating a genuine sense of community amongst fellow wine enthusiasts.
The host’s knowledge of the wines and the property truly shone through. He wasn’t just pouring samples; he was weaving a narrative, connecting us to the land and the meticulous care that goes into crafting each bottle. His passion for Unti’s unique terroir-driven approach shone through, making the tasting experience all the more engaging.
As we left Unti Vineyards, our glasses lighter and our hearts full, we knew we’d discovered a truly special place. Unti isn’t just about exceptional wines; it’s about a welcoming atmosphere, a deep connection to the land, and a chance to connect with fellow wine lovers.
The TLDR
Unti Vineyards lived up to the hype as having some of the best wines in the valley. If you care more about wine than a picture perfect backdrop, you’ll fall in love with this place too.
