Tony Stewart, owner of Madrone Vineyards Estate, welcomes guests Tuesday to the re-opening of what had been Valley of the Moon Winery.
Originally planted in 1863, the Glen Ellen facility was one of the first wineries in California. The 60-acre property has 41 acres of vineyards. Expected annual production is 35,000 cases.
Stewart owns Quails’ Gate Estate Winery in British Columbia. The deal for the Madrone Road operation was announced in August of 2012. Since then, the tasting room has been redesigned, with many of the historic elements – original rock walls had been covered with sheetrock, for example – restored and highlighted.
The winery, once owned by the Hearst family, was named Valley of the Moon in 1941 by the Parducci family. Korbel acquired the property in 1997.
Wednesday through Saturday, from 1 to 4 p.m., the winery will offer a menu of ‘Sonoma Small Bites,’ featuring small plates created by chefs from nearby restaurants Glen Ellen Star, Olive & Vine, The Fig Café, and Aventine.
777 Madrone Road, Glen Ellen; 939-4500; madronevineyardsestate.com.
Please check your facts. V.O.M. Winery was acquired by Mr. Mike Lee of Kenwood Vineyards who owned, and oversaw production from 1997- approx. 2001 at which time Gary Heck owner of Korbel purchased it.