Viansa Winery and Marketplace, Sonoma - More Nice Sonoma Wine

On the same October day that we visited Cline Cellars and Jacuzzi Family Vineyards, we also Viansa Winery and Marketplace. All three are within 1,000 ft. of one another, just south of the town of Sonoma.

Sam and Vicki Sebastiani had established Viansa in 1989 several years after his mother had fired him from the management of the famous Sebastiani Winery, which had been established by Sam’s grandfather, Samuele.

When Sam and Vicki divorced in 2004, they sold the winery to their seven children. Within 2 years, the winery was bankrupt, and was purchased by its major creditor - offshore hedge fund, Laurus Master Fund.

Viansa derives its name from the names of the founders - Vicki and Sam.

The tasting room is in a nice, Tuscan-style villa on a low hill. The outside offers beautiful views of vineyards and nearby hills.

A View from Viansa

The Viansa Marketplace, which is located with the tasting room, was larger than anything we encountered at the other 22 wineries we visited in Sonoma and Napa. It carried oils, vinegars, tapenades, honeys, home decor, apparel, wine accessories, etc. There is also a small deli that sells sandwiches, salads, and other foods.

Part of the Marketplace

The tasting room was full of visitors and the atmosphere was very lively.

 The Tasting Bar

My friend in Sonoma mentioned that Viansa has many special events during the summer, as well as a continuous barbecue outside.

Viansa has two levels of tasting, depending which types of wines you want to taste. They cost $5 or $10. We chose to share a $5 tasting. However, Connie, the woman who served us, gave us one wine from the $10 group. We enjoyed all of the wines we tasted.

My wife and I shared a tasting in the following sequence. The prices are the retail prices without club discounts:

- 2009 Barbera - Very nice - $34

- 2008 Merlot, with some Cavernet Sauvignon - Very nice - $34

- 2008 Cabernet Franc, with 20% Syrah - Very nice - $35

- 2005 Samuele Cabernet Franc - Excellent - $55. Has won medals in a number of competitions.

- 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon - Very nice - $40

Viansa’s wines can only be purchased from the winery.

While we were tasting the wines, we chatted with two nice young couples from nearby Santa Rosa.