Uncorking The Best Of Sonoma Valley: Anaba Wines Spotlight
Looking for a unique and inviting winery experience in Sonoma County? Look no further than Anaba Wines in the Carneros region. From the welcoming and unpretentious atmosphere to the breathtaking views of the Carneros landscape, Anaba Wines offers a one-of-a-kind tasting that will leave a lasting impression on any wine lover.
Anaba Wines was founded by John Sweazey after four decades of hard work in other industries, he eventually was able to pursue his dream of creating a world-class wine estate. With a successful career in computer systems sales and real estate, John pursued his passion for wine, making small batches of Napa Valley Zinfandel in his garage while studying winemaking and viticulture. In 2006, he established Anaba Wines, a family-owned winery in the Carneros region of Sonoma County, an ideal place due to its under-the-radar vibe and accessibility to San Francisco, Marin County, and the East Bay.
Amenities
Food & Wine Pairing
Scenic Views
Picnic Area
Art Displays
Unique Architecture
Large Groups OK
Wedding Venue
Wine Club
Outdoor Seating
Pet Friendly
Outdoor Games
Gift Shop
RV/Bus Parking
Onsite Catering
Gardens
Indoor Seating
Kid Friendly
Winery Dog
Wheelchair Accessible
Event Space
Inspired by his travels to France in the 1970s, John’s love of Southern Rhone and Burgundy led him to focus on these specific varieties, with optimal terroir for these grapes across Sonoma’s wide array of microclimates. Anaba Wines works with over 20 different growers to source their grapes, focusing not only on the highest-priced Pinot Noir or Chardonnay but on the right level of quality. Anaba Wines has established an excellent network of grower relationships with a mix of new and old vineyards like Dutton, Teldeschi, and Sangiacomo to propel the business forward.
Anaba Wines specializes in Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and nine other Rhone varieties mainly used in blends, with an estate-grown Picpoul Blanc that thrives in the cool, coastal climate. Although they source their grapes primarily from partner vineyards, the J McK Estate Vineyard in Western Carneros remains Anaba’s crown jewel, where some of their most exceptional grapes are grown.
Winemaker Katy Wilson is known for expressive winemaking style, which results in unique vintages year after year. Her approach is to highlight the character of the region in her wines. A prime example is her work with Anaba’s Sonoma Coast wines, where she aims to capture the essence of the area in each bottle. Through her skillful crafting of the wines, Katy brings out the best in the grapes and the terroir, creating memorable experiences.
Katy is well known for her work with Pinot Noir, notoriously difficult to grow, as it is a delicate and sensitive grape variety that requires a cool climate and specific soil conditions. It is also very finicky when it comes to picking decisions, as the grapes can go from under-ripe to overripe in a matter of days, unlike other varieties such as Cabernet Sauvignon, which has a larger variability. In the cellar, Pinot Noir requires careful temperature control and a light touch, with no additives added during the winemaking process. The goal is to make a wine that is fresh, beautiful and vibrant sometimes with earthy notes that are characteristic of the specific vineyard.
Anaba Wines is committed to sustainability, partnering with SolarCraft, a Sonoma-based clean energy company, to provide 100% renewable electrical energy for their production facility and tasting room. They completed the installation of 465 high-efficiency 360-watt solar panels, significantly reducing power costs for the winery.
The recently relaunched Turbine line of wines prioritizes sustainability and approachability, creating a delicious portfolio of wines inspired by the winds that sweep the region. The hand-painted watercolor label conveys a sense of movement and depth, with the soft colors of nature. Modestly priced, the Turbine line captures the essence of high-quality wines at affordable everyday prices.
Anaba Wines is a special place where visitors can create lasting memories while enjoying the best of what Sonoma Wine Country has to offer. Anaba Wines also offers a fun and unique destination for visitors, with activities like pickleball, bocce, and blending parties. John’s vision is to create a warm and welcoming atmosphere where everyone feels at ease, much like the comfortable ambiance he discovered during his time in France.
ANABA WINES OVERVIEW
- Who – Owner John Sweazey
- Winemaker – Katy Wilson
- What – Soil, wind, rain, sun, wine
- When – Open, by appointment, from 10:30 AM until 5:00 PM daily
- Where – 62 Bonneau Rd. Sonoma, CA 95476
- Reservations – Can be made online here
- Phone Number – 1-707-966-4188
Wine Recommendations
Our Turbine White Rhône style blend is sourced from three family-owned vineyards. We source our Roussanne from Dry Stack Vineyard, located in Bennett Valley, tucked away in the shadow of Sonoma Mountain. This varietal adds intense aromatics. Viognier and Marsanne are grown at Landa Vineyard located in the eastern foothills in the Sonoma Valley appellation. The Viognier adds floral aromatics while the Marsanne is a beautiful blending wine adding mid-palate richness. Grenache Blanc and Picpoul Blanc are grown nearby at Snow Vineyard. Grenache Blanc adds length and balanced alcohol to the blend. With rich notes of citrus and herbs. Picpoul Blanc, adds great acidity and zest. Together these Rhône varietals make for a layered and delightful sipper.
Enticing aromas of black cherry and orange peel create a richness on the nose, and a palate that boasts of strawberry, crushed raspberries and Bing cherry. Structured and vibrant, this wine lingers in the best way.
Our Westlands Pinot Noir elegantly captures the essence of the West Sonoma Coast. Sourced from a selection of vineyards that reside in close proximity to each other located less than 10 miles from the Pacific Ocean on the west side of the Sonoma Coast AVA, this wine is delicately crafted from our best barrels hand-picked by Katy.
Our Turbine Chardonnay is made primarily from coastal vineyards and is the only Chardonnay Anaba makes that is entirely fermented and aged in stainless steel. That combination allows the bright fruit flavors and acidity to really shine and take center stage. The packaging for our Turbine line most reflects our dedication to sustainability by way of utilizing the lightest glass of all our wines, and the decision to refrain from using a foil capsule. This renders the Turbine line our most sustainable yet. This Chardonnay is refreshing, quaffable, and perfect for summer afternoon lunches with your favorite people.
Leave a Reply