A Sonoma County Legacy Reimagined with Modern Design, Elevated Hospitality, and Renewed Vision Under CMB Family of Wines
October 6, 2025 (Healdsburg, CA) — Foppiano Vineyards, one of Sonoma County’s most historic estates, today announced the unveiling of its newly remodeled property, marking a new era for the 128-year-old winery. Founded in 1896 and long regarded as a cornerstone of the Russian River Valley, Foppiano has been revitalized to honor its deep agricultural heritage while offering visitors a sophisticated, modern wine country experience.
“Our vision is to breathe new life into Foppiano while preserving everything that makes it an icon of the Russian River Valley,” said Courtney Benham, owner and president of CMB Family of Wines. “We wanted to create a place that feels welcoming and relaxed, where people can enjoy great wine in a comfortable setting. Whether it’s a picnic in the vineyard or time spent on the patio with friends, the goal is for Foppiano guests to have fun and experience Sonoma County in a way that feels genuine and memorable.”
Foppiano’s story is woven into the fabric of Sonoma County wine history. From its early days as a wine supplier at the turn of the 20th century, through its survival of Prohibition by selling home winemaking kits, to becoming a founding member of the Russian River Valley AVA, the Foppiano name has long been synonymous with resilience and reinvention. In the 1930s, the family was among the first in the region to bottle under their own label, and in the decades that followed, helped lead the charge for California’s premium wine movement. From Louis J. Foppiano’s role in founding the Wine Institute and Sonoma County Winegrowers, to the fifth generation’s focus on estate bottlings, each era has deepened the family’s imprint on the industry.
The newly reimagined Foppiano estate, perched on the east bank of the Russian River, blends historic authenticity with contemporary design, featuring architecture by Craig Steely, the acclaimed San Francisco modernist known for his striking, site-sensitive work. Inside, the elegant tasting salon evokes a sense of refined comfort, with retractable doors that open to shaded patios and manicured landscapes, offering guests a seamless indoor-outdoor experience. Meticulous design details bring a modern edge to the historic setting, including Hay and Herman Miller lounge seating, Blu Dot copper cocktail tables, Tom Dixon pendant lighting, and iconic Emeco barstools by Jasper Morrison. Together, these elements create a welcoming space that captures the relaxed sophistication of Sonoma County.
To expand on the al fresco experience, the estate invites guests to linger outdoors across expansive lawns framed by vineyards. Vintage-inspired games such as croquet and casual gathering favorite cornhole add a playful element to the grounds, while private picnic pods offer a more intimate way to take in views of the legendary Gianna’s Vineyard, home to historic Petite Sirah vines. Each pod is thoughtfully designed with handcrafted cement tables, Fermob Luxembourg chairs from Paris, and elegant Tuuci umbrellas, creating an atmosphere of relaxed sophistication. Culinary offerings elevate the experience with curated vineyard picnics and seasonal selections from Healdsburg’s renowned Costeaux French Bakery. For those looking to immerse themselves more deeply, guided walking tours bring together history, viticulture, and storytelling across the estate’s 130 acres, while a reimagined hospitality pavilion adjacent to the original barrel room provides an intimate setting for private events and wine club gatherings.
Winemaking at Foppiano will continue to honor the winery’s deep legacy with Petite Sirah and summer favorite Vermentino while also refining its focus on Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Under the direction of CMB Family of Wines’ Director of Winemaking Leslie Renaud and Winemaker Raemy Patterson, Foppiano remains committed to hand-crafted, artisanal techniques that showcase the character of its estate vineyards and the distinctiveness of the cool-climate, Middle Reach region of the Russian River Valley terroir.
Located minutes from downtown Healdsburg on Old Redwood Highway, the new Foppiano experience reflects the dynamic spirit of Sonoma County while remaining true to the winery’s pioneering role in California wine. The reimagined estate underscores CMB Family of Wines’ broader vision of revitalizing heritage wineries with a forward-looking approach, positioning Foppiano as both a guardian of tradition and a leader in shaping the future of wine country hospitality.
About Foppiano Vineyards
Founded in 1896 by Italian immigrant Giovanni Foppiano, Foppiano Vineyards is one of Sonoma County’s oldest continuously operated, family-founded wineries. For over a century, it has been a cornerstone of the Russian River Valley, known for its Petite Sirah legacy and pioneering role in the region’s evolution. Now under the ownership of CMB Family of Wines, Foppiano is entering a new era: one that honors its historic roots while investing in a bold future. With 130 acres of estate vineyards, a deep legacy in Sonoma County agriculture, and a reputation for soulful, site-driven wines, Foppiano Vineyards continues to define what it means to endure, evolve, and lead in California wine. For more information, visit www.Foppiano.com or follow Foppiano Vineyards on Instagram and Facebook.
About CMB Family of Wines
CMB Family of Wines is a family-owned and operated portfolio of premium wine brands based in California’s Russian River Valley, on the Laguna Ridge at Martin Ray – one of the state’s oldest continually operating wineries. The portfolio includes Martin Ray, Angeline, Synthesis, Courtney Benham, and the newly acquired Foppiano and Vina Robles. Known for revitalizing legacy brands, CMB Family of Wines seamlessly blends tradition with modern innovation, crafting wines that celebrate California’s most esteemed appellations. With an unwavering commitment to quality, sustainability, and a family-first philosophy, CMB Family of Wines is shaping a dynamic future for generations to come.
