(March 5, 2024 – Sonoma, CA) — The Serres Family celebrates 100 years with six generations on their historic ranch in Sonoma Valley in 2024. It is no surprise that Sonoma is home to California’s first wineries; Buena Vista Winery and Gundlach Bundschu, as this land is rich in agricultural history.
“We feel a great sense of pride to be caretakers and stewards of this amazing piece of land in the heart of the Sonoma Valley,” says Taylor Serres Murnig, a member of the fifth generation of Serres family members to live on the ranch. “Our family’s commitment to sustainability and a shared passion for crafting the very best estate-grown wines is paramount to everything we do. We live on this property, this is our home, and we want to continue making it better for the next generations.”
“Fighting Joe Hooker,” a famous general of the Mexican-American War and Civil War, established the Sonoma Valley ranch between his two military stints when he owned it from 1851 to 1857. When Hooker enlisted for the Civil War, he sold the property to George Watriss of New York City in 1857 on the courthouse steps in San Francisco. George Watriss was a famous hotelier who opened the Astor House in New York City before moving to California. John Pierre Serres (Toots), the great-grandfather of Taylor and her brothers, came to this property in the early 1870s, when it was owned by the Watriss family. The Watriss and Serres families were in a close-knit farming partnership during the late 1800s into the early 1900s. The ranch was fully acquired by the Serres Family in 1924, establishing the farming legacy that continues today.
Today, Taylor, her father John Pierre, and brother, Buchanan (Buck), manage the 200-acre ranch, which is planted with 130 acres of vines. Everyone has a role in keeping the operations going and growing. Taylor, who graduated from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo where she studied enology, viticulture, and agriculture business, works with the family to oversee the wine and farming operations including an organic cattle business, both here and on their 5,000-acre ranch in Mendocino County, where they also farm 20 acres of blueberries. Taylor’s oldest brother, John Marshall, runs the family’s construction business.
Taylor’s father John planted vines in the mid-1970s with the assistance of friend Jim Bundschu, Gundlach Bundschu Winery. For decades, the family sold their grapes to wineries throughout Napa and Sonoma counties, a practice which continues today with a small percentage being farmed exclusively for Serres Ranch wines.
“It is so fulfilling to see the next generation of family members take their knowledge of grape growing and apply it to crafting estate wines bearing our family name.” Said John Serres. “Along with our winemaking team of Tim Milos and Derek Irwin, they are making wines that we are proud to pour. We are grateful beyond words for the chance to live, work, and build a family that honors our long and continued history on this land. I know the generations that came before mine felt the same.”
The historic ranch, located in the heart of the Sonoma Valley, is a breathtaking property of estate vineyards, horses, and longhorn cattle. We invite you to visit for your very own private ranch tour.
A Serres Ranch 100th Anniversary Party is tentatively scheduled
Saturday, June 8 at 4:00 PM – Limited Seating
Details and more information will be shared soon.
16060 Highway 12, Sonoma, CA 95476
Taylor Serres welcomes inquiries at taylor@serresranchwine.com
Serres Ranch Wines:
- 2019 Marshall Estate Grown Cabernet Sauvignon, Sonoma Valley $100
- 2019 Watriss Estate Grown Bordeaux Blend, Sonoma Valley $85
- 2019 Buchanan Estate Grown Merlot, Sonoma Valley $75
- Bleusé Aleatico & Blueberry Sparkling Rosé – 4-Pack $24
About Serres Ranch Wine
Founded in 1924, the Serres Ranch is a six-generation, family-owned, and operated ranch and vineyard in the heart of the Sonoma Valley. For decades, the Serres family has worked tirelessly alongside Mother Nature to grow the finest quality grape varietals for some of the most acclaimed and recognized brands in both Napa and Sonoma. The legacy continues with the fifth generation of Taylor, John Jr., and Buck overseeing the meticulous attention to detail in farming their estate vineyards and creating delicious wines that honor their rich family history.
Ranch Tour – Serres Ranch Wines, Charcuterie, and Cheese Pairing – 2 hr.|$100 per guest. Start with a glass of Bleusé, hop into an ATV, and get a 360-degree guided experience with founder, Taylor Serres of the historic Serres Family Ranch. You will wind your way through their vineyards to the Oak Grove where you and your guests will enjoy their Estate Bordeaux varietals with a delicious cheese and charcuterie board. To learn more, please visit www.serresranchwine.com.
