Papapietro Perry Winery has earned its place among the TOP 100 Premium Wine & Spirits Brands of the World 2025, a recognition that highlights its enduring influence in California’s celebrated wine landscape. Honored by Luxury Lifestyle Awards, the winery stands as proof that heart, humor, and hard work can transform a garage project into a world-class label. With each vintage, Papapietro Perry Winery captures the very essence of Sonoma County’s terroir, delivering wines that speak of authenticity and craftsmanship born from humble beginnings.

From Garage to Greatness

The Papapietro Perry story begins not in a grand vineyard or high-tech facility, but in a San Francisco garage. Inspired by the garagiste movement in Bordeaux, founders Ben and Yolanda Papapietro, alongside friends Bruce and Renae Perry, began making Pinot Noir for fun and friendship. What started as an after-hours experiment soon gained attention from Wine Spectator and other respected publications.

Word spread quickly: these wines were different, expressive, honest, and made with joy rather than formality. The small team’s approach, driven by curiosity and respect for the grape, set them apart from the beginning. Ben’s background in home winemaking and the couple’s willingness to take risks shaped the early vintages, while their playful yet precise style became their signature.

When the opportunity came to produce wine commercially at Windsor Oaks Winery in 2000, they took it, officially giving birth to Papapietro Perry Winery. From those early garage days to their modern facility in Dry Creek Valley, the team has stayed true to its roots: family-driven, laughter-filled, and always focused on letting the fruit tell its story.

A Sonoma Signature: Authentic, Not Pretentious

Located amid the rolling vineyards of Dry Creek Valley, the winery specializes in small-lot Pinot Noir, Zinfandel, Chardonnay, and Rosé of Pinot Noir. Their approach to winemaking remains refreshingly straightforward: minimal intervention, maximum character. “Authentic, not pretentious,” as Ben puts it, is more than a motto; it’s the guiding principle that defines the winery’s atmosphere and its wines alike.

Visitors stepping onto the winery’s extended patio are greeted by panoramic views of the valley and an ambiance that feels like being welcomed into a friend’s home. Seated tastings feature five distinctive wines, each guided by a knowledgeable host who brings the experience to life with warmth and storytelling. Guests can choose to complement their tasting with a local charcuterie board or Truffle Almond Chocolates crafted to pair with Pinot Noir.

It’s this thoughtful hospitality that sets the winery apart. Here, sophistication is approachable, laughter is encouraged, and good conversation flows as easily as the Pinot Noir.

The Art of Patience and Passion

For Ben and Bruce, wine has always been about patience and pleasure. In the early days, the team camped near the vineyards during harvest, working long hours and cooking under the stars, a lifestyle that embodied their devotion and spirit of camaraderie. Today, the process may take place in a more refined setting, but the ethos remains the same.

Each bottle is the result of attentive stewardship, from grape selection to barrel aging. The focus on single vineyard designates allows the winery to showcase the nuances of exceptional Sonoma County sites such as Peters Vineyard and Leras Family Vineyards. These wines reveal distinct layers, earthy, elegant, and bright, demonstrating the diversity of the region and the talent of those who transform its fruit into liquid art.

Papapietro Perry’s minimalist philosophy ensures that nothing distracts from the purity of the wine itself. The winemaking space may have grown far beyond the original garage, but its spirit is ever-present: simple, direct, and deeply personal.

A Family Affair That Welcomes All

More than a winery, Papapietro Perry is a gathering place for family, friends, and fellow wine lovers who appreciate authenticity over pretense. Every visit reflects the founders’ belief that wine should be shared and celebrated, never overcomplicated.

Events at the winery continue that sense of community, from intimate tastings to seasonal celebrations that invite guests to experience the warmth of the Papapietro Perry family firsthand. The team’s genuine enthusiasm for both their craft and their guests creates a rare sense of connection, one that transforms visitors into lifelong fans.

Even after decades of success, the winery retains its original spirit, approachable, humble, and fueled by a love for great wine and good company. As Renae reflects, “The winery is an extension of our homes and personal hospitality.” That sentiment flows through every bottle, every laugh on the patio, and every story told over a shared glass.

Continuing a Legacy of Flavor and Friendship

The legacy of Papapietro Perry Winery is built not only on award-winning wines but also on the relationships that sustain it. The founders’ humor and humility continue to inspire the next generation of winemakers and guests alike. Their philosophy, that wine is meant to be enjoyed, not idolized, has shaped a culture that celebrates flavor, friendship, and authenticity in every pour.

As the winery looks toward the future, its foundation remains strong: exceptional fruit, a deep respect for the land, and a welcoming atmosphere that turns first-time visitors into family. With a loyal following and an ever-growing reputation for producing wines of character and grace, Papapietro Perry Winery continues to raise the standard for genuine winemaking in Sonoma County and beyond.

Experience Near Perfection

For those seeking wines that speak to both heart and heritage, Papapietro Perry Winery offers something unforgettable, an experience shaped by passion, laughter, and time-honored skill. Whether you’re visiting Dry Creek Valley or exploring their collection online, every sip captures a story that began in a humble garage and continues to inspire today.

To learn more, visit www.papapietro-perry.com.