ABOUT US

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. Over the years, they’ve raised four children, lovingly restored the property’s century-old farmhouse, and planted 17.5 acres of premium vineyards. Rich even found time to create music with his bands along the way. Driven by their passion for winemaking, Joan and Rich partnered with Joan’s brother, Ted Coleman, to combine their vineyard expertise with Ted’s winemaking skills. What started as small experimental batches of wine quickly gained the admiration of family and friends, marking the beginning of their journey into creating exceptional wines.

In 2002, Joan and Rich Little took the next step in their winemaking journey by establishing Little Vineyards Family Winery as a small bonded winery, with an annual production of no more than 2,500 cases. Their first vintage was approved for crushing, and Ted crafted two award-winning wines from their estate-grown fruit: the 2002 Zinfandel and the 2002 Resonance, a Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon blend.

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.

Milestones

Little Vineyards Timeline

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 his death 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 wines grapes.

1995

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