Support Veterans and First Responders at These Local Wineries, Breweries, and Distilleries 

A toast to Sonoma County’s veterans and first responders!  

In Sonoma County, support of our service members takes many forms. Every summer, for example, Wine Country to the Rescue, a fundraising gala with a 60-year history, rallies support for fire departments across the county. Wineries have also united through umbrella organizations like Sonoma County Vintners, which recently donated $10,000 to First Responders Resiliency, a nonprofit addressing post-traumatic stress in first responders.

Then there’s The Setting Wines, which released a limited edition wine benefiting the Navy SEAL Foundation just this year!

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On your next trip to Sonoma County, join in this show of support by drinking from beverage producers with a demonstrated commitment to men and women in uniform. Listed below are wineries, breweries, and distilleries that are either owned by veterans or first responders, or that otherwise offer support to that population. While holidays like Fourth of July, Veteran’s Day, and Memorial Day may offer special opportunities to express support, we invite you to do so every day of the year!  

Veteran- or First-Responder-Owned Businesses 

Hook & Ladder Winery, Santa Rosa 

In the 1970s, Cecil DeLoach was still working a day job as a firefighter when he and his wife Christine acquired Barbieri Ranch, a coveted old-vine property in Russian River Valley. Soon, the two would launch DeLoach Vineyards and become leaders in what was then an emerging wine appellation; later, they would launch a second winery, Hook & Ladder, in homage to Cecil’s 17-year firefighting career. Now operated by the couple’s grandson, Hook & Ladder offers a range of wines, including an aptly named Tillerman’s Red Blend.  

Passaggio Wines, Glen Ellen 

Former police officer Cindy Cosco logged more than 15 years of civil service on the East Coast before heading to California to pursue a winemaking dream. In 2008, she launched Passaggio Wines, and today pours hard-to-find varietals like Aglianico and Verdejo, along with familiar favorites like Chardonnay and Syrah, in a friendly tasting room in the heart of Glen Ellen.  

Peterson Winery, Geyserville 

For more than three decades, second-generation volunteer firefighter and engineer Fred Peterson has served the Geyserville Fire Protection District. For nearly as long, he’s been growing grapes in the Dry Creek, Alexander, Anderson and Russian River valleys. Today, he operates Peterson Winery with his son Jamie, offering tastings at the popular Locals Tasting Room in Geyserville.  

Sonoma Brothers Distilling, Windsor 

Twin brothers Chris Matthies and Brandon Matthies serve their Sonoma County community as a firefighter engineer and police sergeant, respectively. Along the way, they find time to craft award-winning vodka, whiskey, and brandy. 

Discounts for Men and Women in Uniform 

Alexander Valley Vineyards, Healdsburg 

Situated on a historic property originally settled by Cyrus Alexander, for whom the valley was named, this family-owned winery was founded in the 1960s. Now more than 700 acres, the estate joined the California Sustainable Winegrowing Alliance in March 2006 and in 2010 was recognized as a certified Sonoma Green Business. Don’t miss the winery’s Zinfandel or Merlot. The winery offers a free reserve tasting for service members. 

Francis Ford Coppola Winery, Geyserville 

More than just a winery, Coppola is a leisure-seeker’s wonderland. With 40 wines and two onsite restaurants, the winery offers something to please every palate and predilection. Set amid sustainably farmed vineyards, its facility also includes two all-ages swimming pools. Military and first responders (with identification) enjoy free tastings at the bar, or $10 off seated tastings. As well, qualified guests receive 25% off wine purchases and 15% off all merchandise. 

Gloria Ferrer Caves and Vineyards, Sonoma 

Freedom takes many forms – including, some would say, sipping bubbly amid undulating vineyards. Gloria Ferrer, renowned as California’s most awarded sparkling wine house, invites you to do just that. In addition to carefully crafted sparkling and still wines, choose to enjoy a culinary experience, brunch, or caviar tasting. Veterans and active military receive a 10% discount on the Carneros flight of wines. 

Paradise Ridge Winery, Santa Rosa  

For the team at Paradise Ridge, supporting first responders is personal: In 2017, when the Tubbs Fire tragically struck, their winery was among the 5,600 structures destroyed. Within several years, they had rebounded and rebuilt – with a strong willingness to pay forward their gratitude. In addition to organizing community fundraisers, the winery offers a 10% discount to military and first responders.  

Walt Wines, Sonoma  

With a specialty in single-vineyard Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, Walt Wines offers a wide variety of both sourced from across Anderson Valley and Sonoma County as well as other wine appellations. The cozy tasting room off the Sonoma Plaza offers garden seating, creating an ideal ambience for relaxing with wine and good company. All active-duty military with identification enjoy free tastings. 

Lagunitas Brewing Co., Petaluma  

An iconic Northern California brewery offering a taste of the region’s distinctive character, Lagunitas needs no introduction. Come for the beer, stay for quality pub grub, music, and community. Veterans and active military enjoy 10% off food purchases year-round. Cheers!  

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Drink it Forward 

Pop open one of these bottles, and relish it even more deeply knowing the producer offers a percentage of sales to causes supporting veterans and/or first responders. 

The Setting Wines, Healdsburg

In honor of Veterans Day and in partnership with The Navy SEAL Foundation, The Setting Wines released an exquisite, limited edition wine benefiting the Navy SEAL Foundation this year. On Veterans Day!

The Setting Navy SEAL Foundation private label 2019 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon is now available in large format bottlings of 1.5L and etched 3Ls. This limited edition wine was created through the generosity of growers Jennifer & John Muhlner, parents of two Navy SEALs, along with winemaker Jesse Katz of The Setting Wines and John Micek of Red Stitch Wine. For more information, visit the winery’s website.

Benovia Winery, Santa Rosa 

Founded by next-generation farmers, Benovia Winery has consistently demonstrated a strong commitment to the community, notably helping to raise millions for local literacy programs. With every purchase of its 2018 Liberation Chardonnay, $10 is donated to the Gary Sinise Foundation, which honors and supports defenders, veterans, first responders, their families, and those in need.  

Buena Vista Winery, Sonoma  

In 1850, a chap named Agoston Haraszthy was elected the Sheriff of San Diego County. After a few years on the job, he turned north to Sonoma to establish California’s very first premium winery, Buena Vista Winery. These days, in honor of Haraszthy and of law enforcement officers everywhere, the winery offers proceeds of sales from Buena Vista “The Sheriff” to the National Sheriff’s Association Education Foundation. 

For more ways to support Sonoma County first-responders, check out this special tribute itinerary.  

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Written by Amy Bess Cook