Acorn Winery

When we purchased Alegría Vineyards in 1990, we became stewards of property first cultivated in the 1850s. We began by reviving the Zinfandel field-blend vineyard that was established in the 1890′s. Then we planted 18 acres of new vines that should be productive through the 21st century. Alegría Vineyards now includes 27 acres, planted with Zinfandel, Syrah, Cabernet Franc, Sangiovese, Dolcetto, Petite Sirah, Alicante Bouschet, and several lesser-known varieties. In 1996, we established Acorn Winery and released our first wine, an estate-grown Sangiovese.

Bill Nachbaur’s Sonoma County roots run as deep as our Zinfandel’s. In 1868, his maternal great-great-grandparents lived less than three miles from Alegría Vineyards. His father’s ancestors settled in Petaluma about the same time. One of Bill’s grandfathers worked in Napa Valley vineyards in the 1890s. Bill, a past president of the Sonoma County Grape Growers, manages the vineyard operations and winemaking. Before becoming a winegrower, Bill practiced law in Washington, D.C. and San Francisco.

Betsy is from the East Coast and grew up mostly in Connecticut. Her ancestors may not have been farmers, but they appreciated and drank good wine. With degrees in political science and public administration, Betsy had a career in public policy and banking before turning her full attention to what has become the family business. She manages administration and marketing for the winery.

Acorn Winery is named to honor the many old oak trees in our vineyards, for the oak used in the barrels where our wines mature, and in recognition of our very small size. The vineyard’s name, Alegría, means joy. Working in the vineyards makes us happy, and we hope that drinking wines made from our grapes will bring alegría to your life.

Link to Acorn Winery