August 19, 2026 (Sebastopol, CA) — Marimar Estate Vineyards & Winery is celebrating 40 years since proprietor Marimar Torres planted the first Chardonnay vines at Don Miguel Vineyard, named in honor of her father, in Green Valley of the Russian River Valley. Planted in 1986, many of those original vines continue to produce exceptional fruit today, a rare achievement that reflects the quality of the site and the estate’s commitment to sustainable farming.
After arriving in California, Torres spent more than a year searching for the ideal vineyard property. Faced with a choice between a site in Napa Valley and a larger parcel in the Russian River Valley, she chose Sonoma County for its cool climate, coastal fog, and, as she was told, its suitability for Burgundian varieties. Two years later, she planted Pinot Noir using high-density European spacing, an uncommon practice in California at the time.
“After a year and a half of searching, I found the ideal property, cool and perfect for Burgundian varieties,” said Marimar Torres. “My brother asked if there were any vineyards around – I said no, but it’s beautiful! Looking back, I truly lucked out.”
Over the past four decades, Marimar Estate has grown from a single Chardonnay vineyard into a celebrated producer of estate-grown wines. Today, the winery farms 70 acres with a full-time vineyard crew across two estate vineyards in the Russian River Valley and West Sonoma Coast AVAs, producing Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Albariño, Godello, and Tempranillo. The winery and both vineyards have been certified sustainable since 2017 and have earned numerous accolades, including multiple 95+ point ratings from leading wine publications.
As Marimar Estate marks this milestone anniversary, it celebrates four decades of winemaking, sustainable farming, and family stewardship in Sonoma County, while looking ahead to the next generation under the leadership of General Manager Cristina Torres.
About Marimar Estate
Marimar Estate Vineyards & Winery is a family-owned winery located in Green Valley of the Russian River Valley in Sonoma County. Founded by Marimar Torres, a fourth-generation member of Spain’s renowned Torres winemaking family, the estate was established with the planting of Don Miguel Vineyard in 1986. Today, Marimar Estate cultivates 70 acres across two estate vineyards and produces wines exclusively from estate-grown fruit. The winery and residences are powered entirely by solar energy, reflecting the family’s ongoing commitment to quality, sustainability, and hospitality.
