ABOUT US

Little Vineyards Family Winery is a boutique, family-owned estate winery in Glen Ellen, located in the heart of Sonoma Valley. Built on two passions, estate-grown red wine and music, the Little family produces small-lot Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Zinfandel, and proprietary red blends that reflect Sonoma Valley’s volcanic soils and warm climate. The result is an intimate wine tasting experience focused on handcrafted reds and a relaxed, music-inspired atmosphere.

THE LITTLE FAMILY

Our Little Story

Joan and Rich Little’s dream of living in Sonoma Valley, raising a family, and crafting exceptional wines became a reality in 1996 when they acquired a 25-acre property from the Hanford Family in Glen Ellen. For those seeking to learn about Little Vineyards Family Winery, the story begins with hands-on farming, family values, and a long-term commitment to Sonoma Valley vineyards. Over the years, they’ve raised four children, lovingly restored the property’s century-old farmhouse, and planted 17.5 acres of premium vineyard blocks.

As a family-owned winery in Sonoma Valley, their vision was rooted in crafting expressive Cabernet Sauvignon, Zinfandel, and Syrah from their own land. Rich also continued his passion for music, writing, and performing with his bands, a creative influence that would later shape the winery’s identity.

Guests enjoying wine tasting on the music-themed patio at Little Vineyards Winery in Glen Ellen
Driven by their dedication to quality, Joan and Rich partnered with Joan’s brother, Ted Coleman, blending vineyard expertise with professional winemaking skill. What began as small experimental lots quickly earned praise from family and friends, laying the foundation for what would become a respected Sonoma winery known for estate-grown red wines and small-lot production.
Rich, Joan, and Ted Little standing among the vines at Little Vineyards Winery in Glen Ellen, Sonoma Valley
In 2002, Joan and Rich officially established Little Vineyards Family Winery as a bonded, small-production estate, producing no more than 2,500 cases annually. For visitors searching about Little Vineyards Sonoma, this marked the formal beginning of their journey as a boutique winery in Sonoma Valley focused on quality over scale.

Nestled in the heart of Sonoma Valley, Little Vineyards Family Winery lies in the Valley of the Moon, surrounded by the sunbathed rocky slopes of the Mayacamas and Sonoma Mountain ranges.

Our family estate has 17.5 acres of meticulously tended vineyards, cooled by coastal fog in the early mornings and evenings from the San Francisco Bay. As the fog clears, the vineyards are warmed by the rising daytime temperatures and natural underground hot springs. The gravelly, well-drained soil slopes gently downward to meet the Sonoma Creek, providing the perfect terroir for growing premium grapes. The Sonoma Valley appellation is renowned for its ability to produce exceptional fruit and world-class red wines. Our primary varietals include Zinfandel, Syrah, and Cabernet Sauvignon, with a special block of vines we affectionately call our ‘Spice Rack,’ where we grow unique varietals such as Cabernet Franc, Montepulciano, Petite Sirah, and Petit Verdot.
Old oak tree with vineyard in the background taken during sunrise

Milestones

Little Vineyards Timeline

Artistic rendering of Indigenous heritage in Glen Ellen, acknowledging Native roots of Sonoma Valley
Historic black and white portrait of George and Phoebe Hearst, early landowners in Glen Ellen, California
Scenic vineyard view in Glen Ellen with rolling hills and vineyard rows, capturing Sonoma Valley terroir

1542

The property was a major trading ground for the Miwok, Pomo, and Wappo settlers

1839

General Vallejo acquired the property by a grant deed from Lazaro Pina.

1846

General Vallejo gifted the property to Andrew Hoeppner in exchange for 5 years of piano lessons for his children.

1851

Joseph Hooker took over the ranch and planted a vineyard.

1876

George Whitman purchased the property and produced wine and brandy. He deeded a portion of the property to the Sonoma and Santa Rosa Railroad for a track to connect Sonoma and Glen Ellen.

1883

Whitman sold the property to Eli T. Sheppard, who retired and sold the property to United States Senator George Hearst. Senator George Hearst lived on the property with his wife, Phoebe Hearst, and continued to make wine until he died in 1891. His vineyards were described as one of the finest in the state, and he proudly served his own wines and brandy to his guests in Washington, D.C.

1922

Louis Engelberg purchased the property and operated the vineyards through prohibition and the great depression.

1958

The Hanford Family purchased the property and continued growing wine grapes.

1995

The Little Family purchased the property, including the original home that was built in 1885, the vineyard barn, a ranch building, and a guest cottage.

2002

Joan and Rich Little, and Joan’s brother and winemaker, Ted Coleman, received a bond for a 2,500-case premium winery and tasting room.

2004

Little Vineyards wins its first Gold Medal with the 2002 Resonance (Red Wine Blend). Since then, Little has earned over 50 Gold Medals for its wines.

2008

The Little’s renovated the vineyard barn into a music rehearsal/recording studio, converted the ranch building into a winery and tasting room, and remodeled the historic home.

2008

Little Vineyards wins its first Double Gold/Best of Class Medal with the 2005 Syrah.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Little Vineyards located?

Little Vineyards Family Winery is located in Glen Ellen, in the heart of Sonoma Valley. The estate sits along Sonoma Highway, just minutes from Kenwood and approximately 25 minutes from Santa Rosa.
Glen Ellen is known for its scenic vineyards, relaxed pace, and boutique wineries, making it an ideal destination for visitors looking for a quieter alternative to larger, high-traffic tasting routes.

What types of wines does Little Vineyards produce?

Little Vineyards specializes in estate-grown red wines crafted in small lots. The portfolio focuses on:

  • Cabernet Sauvignon – structured and balanced, showcasing Sonoma Valley terroir
  • Syrah – Rhône-inspired with depth, dark fruit, and spice
  • Zinfandel – bold yet refined, with balanced acidity
  • Band Blend – a proprietary red blend inspired by the family’s musical roots

All wines are grown on the estate vineyards in Glen Ellen and are designed to pair beautifully with food and cellar well over time.

Is Little Vineyards a family-owned winery?

Yes. Little Vineyards is proudly family-owned and operated. The Little family is directly involved in vineyard management, winemaking decisions, and hosting guests in the tasting room.
This hands-on ownership creates a more personal and intimate wine tasting experience compared to larger commercial wineries. Guests often interact directly with members of the family during their visit.

Do I need a reservation for wine tasting?

Reservations are highly recommended, especially on weekends. Little Vineyards offers seated tastings Friday through Sunday, focusing on small-group experiences that allow guests to fully engage with the wines.
Booking in advance ensures availability and helps the team prepare a personalized tasting flight featuring estate Cabernet, Syrah, Zinfandel, and current releases.
Reservations can be made directly through the Visit Us page.

Is Little Vineyards dog-friendly?

Yes. Little Vineyards welcomes well-behaved dogs in designated outdoor tasting areas. Many visitors exploring Sonoma Valley appreciate the ability to include their dogs while enjoying a relaxed afternoon of wine tasting.
Guests are encouraged to mention pets when booking so the team can prepare appropriate seating.

What makes Little Vineyards different from other Sonoma wineries?

Little Vineyards uniquely blends estate-grown red wine production with a music-inspired culture. Music is part of the family’s identity and influences everything from the naming of the Band Blend to live music events hosted at the winery.
While many Sonoma wineries focus solely on wine production, Little Vineyards creates an atmosphere that connects wine and rhythm, offering guests a tasting experience that feels intimate, personal, and distinctly Sonoma Valley.

Does Little Vineyards have a wine club?

Yes. The Little Vineyards Wine Club provides members with access to limited-production estate wines, preferred pricing, and invitations to exclusive events, including music-themed gatherings.
Members receive allocations of Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Zinfandel, and proprietary blends that are often not widely available outside the winery.
Wine club membership is ideal for guests who want continued access to Sonoma Valley estate wines beyond their tasting room visit.

What are your tasting room hours?

Little Vineyards is open for tastings Friday through Sunday. Hours and reservation availability are updated on the Visit Us page.
Because the winery focuses on small-scale hospitality, space is intentionally limited to maintain a relaxed and personalized experience.

Today, everything about Little Vineyards reflects the family’s dedication to estate-grown red wines, meaningful connections, and a welcoming tasting experience in Glen Ellen. For those curious about Little Vineyards, the story is not just about wine; it’s about family roots, music-inspired passion, and a Sonoma Valley lifestyle that continues to shape every vintage produced on the estate.

Visit Little Vineyards Family Winery