When Montse Reece first arrived in California in 1998, the wine industry struck her as “exciting and different,” two qualities she fears are fading.

Raised in Tarragona, on the doorstep of Spain’s famed Priorat wine region, Reece grew up surrounded by wineries with “strong personalities” that made each distinct. In Sonoma County, where she’d traveled to work harvests at Gloria Ferrer and later Ferrari-Carano Vineyards, she recognized a similar sensibility.

“Back then, everyone had their own point of view but loved sharing ideas and trying new things,” said Reece, founder of Montse Reece Wines in Healdsburg. “Now, everyone is copying each other and making the same wines with the same grapes. Wine has become boring. I want to offer something different.”

For nearly two decades, Reece has served as winemaker at the historic Pedroncelli Winery in Dry Creek Valley, overseeing production of its Mother Clone Zinfandel and other legacy bottlings.

In recent years, however, she has helped steer the winery toward lighter-style wines, including sparkling, an uncommonly bright Zinfandel rosé, Sauvignon Blanc and lower-alcohol Syrah.

“Pedroncelli is a kind of a contradiction — we produce many legacy wines while continuing to innovate,” Reece said. “Being a part of these two worlds gives me a very rich life. The key to reinventing yourself is never losing sight of who you are.”

For the love of Spain

For years, Reece dreamed of making her own Albariño and Tempranillo — two Spanish varieties she loves. But finding the right vineyards for the niche grapes proved more challenging than she imagined.

“American Tempranillo can be very high in alcohol, and I wanted to make the opposite,” she said. “In Spain, the wine is light like Pinot Noir and low in alcohol. To produce this style, I had to be very particular about the vineyards I sourced from.”

The answer finally arrived in 2022 at Luchsinger Vineyards in Lake County, where father-daughter team Bernie and Pilar Luchsinger grow varieties like Tempranillo, Touriga Nacional and Souzao.

“There are many things you can do in the vineyard to produce lower-alcohol wines, like limiting the grapes’ sun exposure so they produce less sugar,” Reece explained. “Luchsinger grows the vines in a way that gives you the flexibility to make lighter-style wines.”

For the inaugural vintage of Montse Reece Wines, she harvested the Tempranillo at a low 22.5 Brix (grape sugar). The resulting wine is fresh and bright, with notes of cherry, dried fig, cedar, cinnamon and just 13.2 % alcohol.

“Picking the grapes early offers you all the fruit flavors of the grape without it being overripe,” she said. “I don’t know anyone making Tempranillo this way.”

For her Albariño, Reece turned to Paradise Vineyards in the Petaluma Gap, where cool daytime temperatures and persistent coastal winds are optimal for preserving acidity. About six miles from the Pacific Ocean, the site reminds her of Spain’s Rías Baixas region in southwestern Galicia, renowned for its world-class Albariño.

“My Albariño ended up very textbook Rías Baixas,” Reece said. “I used stainless steel and fermented completely dry, so the wine is very zippy and refreshing, with just 12% alcohol. I’m very proud of how both my wines turned out.”

A piece of art

Soon after her inaugural release this winter, Reece learned of an opening in the cooperative tasting space at Bacchus Landing in Healdsburg.

Producing only 300 cases per year, she knew funding her own tasting room would be difficult, so she immediately embraced the opportunity.

“I’ve never been in sales, so talking to the people tasting my wines is a new experience,” she said. “But I absolutely love it. I can explain why my wines are different and hear their opinions. These conversations are so rich and interesting.”

The less common varietals have proven a draw among consumers who are also attracted to the wine’s distinct labels, which were designed in her hometown of Tarragona.

“I wanted the labels to be as unique as my wines, and each one is a piece of art,” Reece said. “They help me tell my story and show I’m trying to offer something different.”

Something different

When she is not making wine full-time at Pedroncelli Winery, Reece can be found pouring her own wines at Bacchus Landing from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Fridays through Sundays.

At a time when the wine industry is struggling to attract consumers, she hopes the lesser-known varietals of her home country draw people in.

“These wines represent my heritage and are an extension of myself,” she said. “I would love to see more winemakers try new, exciting things. Wine is really about discovery.”

Montse Reece Wines is open 11 a.m.-5 p.m., Friday – Sunday. 14210 Bacchus Landing Way, Healdsburg; 707-205-5858; montsereecewines.com.

Sarah Doyle is the wine and beverage reporter at The Press Democrat. She can be reached at sarah.doyle@pressdemocrat.com

By Dana Rebmann

The stream of accolades for Healdsburg continues, the latest arriving from geography-focused website WorldAtlas, which recently named the northern Sonoma County city the friendliest small town in California, citing its welcoming vineyards, lively jazz festivals, charming 19th-century inns, art scene, unique lodging options and wine tasting experiences.

Set at the confluence of the Russian River, Dry Creek and Alexander valleys, Healdsburg has earned its reputation as a polished yet approachable base camp for exploring Wine Country. For travelers planning a return — or a first visit — the following stops offer a well-rounded introduction.

Wine Tasting in Healdsburg

With three renowned wine regions converging at its edges, the town presents an embarrassment of riches for oenophiles.

Bacchus Landing (14210 Bacchus Landing), a contemporary compound just minutes from the Healdsburg Plaza, is home to multiple boutique producers — including Aldina, Comstock, Convene by Dan Kosta, Dot Wine, Solo Nostro and Smith Story Wine Cellars — making it possible to compare styles without moving the car. The central piazza often hosts live music and community markets, giving the experience a festive air.

Medlock Ames (13414 Chalk Hill Road) pairs organically farmed Bordeaux-style wines with an immersive sound experience. Guests can wander the 338-acre Bell Mountain Ranch while listening to an audio program, recorded onsite, that culminates in a guided tasting of five wines that underscores the winery’s sustainability ethos.

At Aperture Cellars, Jesse Katz, named Winemaker of the Year in 2025 by Wine Enthusiast, focuses on meticulously crafted blends and single-varietal bottlings. The sleek tasting room doubles as a gallery space for large-scale photography by his father, Andy Katz, adding a visual counterpoint to the wines in the glass from labels Devil Proof, Collage and Aperture.

Where to Eat in Healdsburg

Restaurants here reflect the surrounding farmland, with menus shaped by the seasons.

Across from the Plaza, The Matheson (106 Matheson St.) houses two restaurants under one roof. On the ground floor, the main dining room presents refined, ingredient-driven plates. Upstairs, Roof 106 offers a more casual experience with pizza, small plates and cocktails, as well as an open-air vantage point over town. The location has special meaning to chef Valette; his great-grandfather operated his first Sonoma County bakery here almost a century ago.

Executive chef Shane McAnelly has built a dedicated following since taking over the reins at Dry Creek Kitchen (317 Healdsburg Ave.). Guests can opt for a three-course seasonal menu or a lengthier tasting progression, including a pasta-focused option. Whichever you choose, save room for dessert crafted by pastry chef Taylor Kelley.

It’s Oktoberfest every day at Tisza Bistro (165 Healdsburg Ave.), a German-Hungarian restaurant that turns out excellent Bavarian pretzels, housemade bratwurst and a variety of schnitzels. Open for lunch and dinner; closed on Tuesday and Wednesday.

Little Saint (25 North St.) showcases the range of plant-based cooking in a sleek, spacious building that also houses a coffee bar, a wine lounge and a cocktail bar. Its intimate events space is fast becoming one of the hottest music venues in the country, with performances by artists such as Beck, Rufus Wainwright, and Phoebe Bridgers, Lucy Dacus and Julien Baker of boygenius; plus, an upcoming show by St. Vincent. Programming includes free live music every Thursday night.

Arts and Culture in Healdsburg

Wine and food may draw visitors, but the arts help persuade them to linger.

The recently opened True West Film Center (371 Healdsburg Ave.) screens new releases and classics, as well as special programming carefully curated by John Cooper, the former director of the Sundance Film Festival.

At The Harris Gallery Art & Wine Collection (320 Healdsburg Ave.), paintings by M.C. Harris and his son, Alexander Harris (who goes by A3l3xzand3r), are displayed just steps from the Plaza, often accompanied by pours from the family’s wine label.

In Healdsburg, even hotels participate in the creative exchange. Harmon Guest House (227 Healdsburg Ave.) integrates rotating works by local artists throughout its public spaces, inviting guests and passersby alike to treat the hotel as an informal gallery. The property’s Art Walk website serves as a handy guide. Head to The Rooftop for bites, cocktails and views of the Sonoma hills, Fitch Mountain and downtown Healdsburg.

Stay the Night in Healdsburg

If a day trip feels rushed, check into one of Healdsburg’s charismatic hotels.

The Cottages at Little Saint (425 Foss St.) comprises four vividly redesigned guest cottages, courtesy of creative director Ken Fulk. Tucked into a quiet neighborhood near downtown, they extend the ethos of its sister restaurant into residential form.

Appellation Healdsburg (101 Dovetail Ln.) is the flagship property of chef Charlie Palmer’s new hospitality company. Here, the emphasis is culinary from the outset, with an on-site restaurant upon entry and a rooftop bar with expansive views. In addition to its 108 rooms and suites, the property features a spa and a fitness center.

The V Foundation: A Legacy of Hope

The V Foundation for Cancer Research, founded by legendary basketball coach Jim Valvano and ESPN in 1993, has been a beacon of hope in the fight against cancer. With an unwavering commitment to funding cutting-edge research, the foundation has awarded nearly $400 million in grants, driving groundbreaking discoveries and transforming lives.

Sonoma Epicurean is one of the V Foundation’s most celebrated annual events. Held in the heart of Sonoma County, this immersive experience showcases the region’s finest chefs, vintners, and artisans while raising crucial funds for cancer research. Each gathering emphasizes wellness, sustainability, and, most importantly, hope.

The Epic Party at Bacchus Landing

As part of the 2026 Sonoma Epicurean, Bacchus Landing will host the Epic Party—a culinary wonder and celebration night in our picturesque piazza. Guests will be treated to:

Gastronomic Excellence: Dishes crafted by renowned chefs featuring locally sourced ingredients that highlight the best of Sonoma’s bountiful harvest.

World-Class Wines: Tastings from Bacchus Landing’s esteemed family of wineries, including Convene, Dot Wine, Montagne Russe, Smith Story Wine Cellars, Comstock Wines, and Aldina Vineyards.

Live Entertainment: Music that sets the tone for an unforgettable evening under the stars.

Community Impact: An inspiring evening to highlight the V Foundation’s impact and the collective effort to accelerate cancer research.

Join Us in Making a Difference

The 2026 Sonoma Epicurean is more than an event; it’s a movement to end cancer. By attending, you’re not just indulging in the best that Sonoma County offers; you’re also playing a vital role in advancing life-saving research.

Stay tuned for ticket information and event updates. Follow Bacchus Landing on social media to be the first to hear about exciting details and announcements.

Let’s raise a glass of hope, resilience, and a future without cancer. We can’t wait to see you at the Epic Party!

Amid reports of struggling sales, growing competition and an ever-evolving wine consumption landscape, the family behind Dry Creek Valley’s Comstock Wines is thinking outside the box and doing what some might consider unthinkable — opening a second tasting room.

“We’ve always been a little crazy,” joked general manager Kelly Comstock.

In a matter of weeks, Comstock Wines will unveil its new tasting room at Bacchus Landing, a collective of boutique wineries in Healdsburg. Settling into the space once occupied by the market, there’s been a flurry of activity as the family preps to open its second location less than three miles from the winery that launched the brand into the spotlight nearly a decade ago.

“This property affords us the opportunity to do so much more and connect with guests in a different way, that it doesn’t feel like we’re robbing Peter to pay Paul, because they are completely different experiences,” said Comstock.

Viewing the new location as an investment in the brand, Comstock hopes to attract a different group of guests that may not typically venture further out into Dry Creek Valley, or those who simply like the convenience of tasting various labels in one location.

Unlike Comstock’s winery location, the Bacchus Landing tasting room will offer bottle service, a nod to those seeking a more casual experience, or perhaps a group envisioning an afternoon spent sipping alongside one of the property’s bocce ball courts.

Guests familiar with the original Dry Creek Road winery location might experience a sense of familiarity when stepping into the space at Bacchus Landing. There’s a fresh take on the label’s eye-catching red wall, a tasting bar that’s arguably a bit more polished, as well as plenty of indoor and outdoor space.

Comstock’s goal is to get folks talking — to winery staff and each other. Expect a collection of classic board games, including Monopoly, Scrabble and Battleship. If Comstock has her way, the striking long table most would assume is for wine tasting, will do double duty as a group gaming space.

“Wine tasting and play some Battleship or Scrabble. Lo-fi it back down,” said Comstock. “Get people off their phones and back communicating again.”

A grand opening celebration is planned for Aug. 22 at Bacchus Landing. The date coincides with the ninth anniversary of the opening of the family’s original winery, founded by Kelly’s parents, Bob and Sandy Comstock. Depending on permits, the tasting room could be welcoming guests even sooner as part of a soft opening.

“I’m just really excited about all of it. I’m really excited about connecting with in guests in a different way than we can on the estate,” said Comstock. “And I’m excited actually for all of my neighbors. It’s going to be really nice to have some neighbors where we get to say, ‘Hey, go right over there and see them.’ They’re phenomenal and know that [guests are] going to be incredibly taken care of.”

Open Thursday through Monday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Bonus perks include a large parking lot and several electric vehicle charging stations.

Comstock Wines, 14210 Bacchus Landing, Healdsburg, 707-723-3011, comstockwines.com, bacchuslanding.com

Throughout the weekend, guests participated in curated experiences, wellness activities, and sustainability initiatives, all while supporting groundbreaking cancer research. The proceeds from the event benefit the V Foundation for Cancer Research to fund game-changing cancer research and related programs.

At the heart of Sonoma Epicurean is the spirit of giving back. Last year alone, this remarkable initiative raised an astounding $4.2 million for the V Foundation, underscoring its profound impact in the fight against cancer. Founded by ESPN and legendary basketball coach Jim Valvano, the V Foundation has been a beacon of hope since 1993, funding transformative research initiatives that have the potential to save lives.

As part of Sonoma Epicurean, Bacchus Landing was thrilled to host the Epic Party on March 22nd—an evening of culinary delights, fine wines, and live entertainment. While not the main event of the weekend, the Epic Party serves as a memorable celebration of community and compassion. Against the backdrop of Bacchus Landing’s picturesque setting, guests could indulge in exquisite wines from renowned vintners, paired with gourmet delights crafted by local chefs. Live music set the stage for an unforgettable evening, while an exclusive barrel auction featuring esteemed wineries added an element of excitement to the proceedings—all in support of the V Foundation’s mission.

As the weekend drew to a close, guests could take pride in knowing that their contributions made a meaningful impact in the fight against cancer. Sonoma Epicurean is more than just a series of events—it’s a testament to the power of coming together for a common cause. Bacchus Landing is honored to be able to play a part in this extraordinary opportunity.

Join us as we raise a glass to generosity, community, and the promise of a brighter future. Together, we can make a difference—one sip, one bite, and one heartfelt donation at a time. Cheers to Sonoma Epicurean and the spirit of giving.

Monica Lopez witnessed the alchemy of a man.

When she was in her 20s, she watched the romance of wine transform her father, Al Lopez, from a publisher to a garagista who made wine in his garage from the fruit in his hobby vineyard.

“You could see the pride, the energy and the love he felt for what he created with his own wine,” she said.

The allure of wine also altered Lopez’s course.

The 41-year-old vintner of Aldina Vineyards, which has a tasting room in Healdsburg, is the first woman to be elected president of the Mexican-American Vintners Association.

“I’m breaking a barrier in more ways than one because I’m a Latina and I think, culturally, we’re not expected to be in these positions,” she said. “But for me personally I’m of a younger generation where I feel women and men can do any of it and all of it.”

Now at the helm for the next two years, Lopez is aiming for an even stronger unity among members because she said it will give them broader reach.

“I think the perception is that Latinos or specifically Mexicans have been the labor force in these two counties (Sonoma and Napa) and we still are to a certain degree,” she added. “But we’re more than that. We’re more than the labor force.”

The group is comprised of 17 member-vintners who are largely from Sonoma and Napa counties. Its farthest outlying member is a vintner in the Southern California city of Santa Ana in Orange County.

Vintners who band together “can do more together” to highlight their brands, Lopez said.

The Mexican-American Vintner Association or MAVA was established in 2010.

That year, the governor of Michoacán, a state in western Mexico bordered by the Pacific Ocean, invited several Mexican-American vintners from the Sonoma and Napa valleys to pour their wines at the Michoacán State Fair.

Feeling the pull of their Mexican heritage, a number of those who went to Michoacán believed they could leverage their business acumen in Mexico, as well as in the United States, where Mexican Americans are one of the fastest-growing consumer groups.

Amelia Moran Ceja, president of Ceja Vineyards, and her husband, Pedro, were at that tasting in Mexico and she recalls how she and the other vintners bonded because of their shared heritage. Most of them were born in Mexico.

“We were chatting until 2 a.m. or 3 a.m. in the morning,” Ceja said with a laugh. “And when we returned to Napa we wanted to continue the conversation and officially start the trade organization.”

The vintners, Ceja said, had talked about creating a trade organization called the Hispanic Vintners Association back in 2000 and the trip to Mexico solidified the goal to join forces. Paying homage to their Mexican roots, they settled on calling this new organization the Mexican-American Vintners Association.

“Pedro was one of the first on the board and I went to all the meetings with him,” Ceja explained. “It was exciting to start the trade association that would really bring attention to the contribution of Mexican Americans to the wine industry.”

Today, the association’s mission is to “foster and inspire the next generation of vintners” and to “highlight the sacrifice and contributions to the wine industry made by the farmworkers,” according to Mexican-American Vintner Association’s website.

Delighted that Monica Lopez is leading the charge, Ceja said there have only been male presidents in the past and women are particularly gifted at multitasking.

“We feel Monica is highly qualified,” Ceja said. “She will bring fresh new ideas and will bring what the next chapter of the association will be.”

Sergio Fernandez, the co-vintner of Napa Valley’s Don Chalo Cellars, said he’s excited about the association’s new direction.

“We like Monica’s ideas for getting new members,” Fernandez said, “and for planning more gatherings to pour the wines.”

Fernandez launched his first label in 2018, a tribute to his late father Don Chalo (Fernandez), who originally came to the Napa Valley in the 1970s through the Bracero Program. Initiated in 1942, the program was an agreement between the United States and the Mexican governments to allow permitted Mexican citizens to take temporary agricultural work in the U.S.

While his father passed before he tasted his namesake wine, Fernandez said he’s excited more people will likely experience it under Lopez’s watch.

“Monica wants to do more marketing to get more exposure for the wines,” Fernandez said.

A vision for the future

As of July 2023, according to the most recent U.S. Census Bureau data, Sonoma County’s population is 28.9% Latino, while in Napa County the Latino community is 36% of the population

Inclusivity is Lopez’s vision for Mexican-American Vintner Association’s future.

She wants to reach out to Latino vintners across California, beyond Napa Valley and Sonoma County.

“I’d love to encompass the state of California and I think it would provide more exposure to Latino vintners if they’re seeing 40 or 60 of us versus 17 of us together,” she said. “It would be more impactful.”

Inclusivity, Lopez said, also means including Latino vintners who immigrated from South America and Central America, in addition to those from Mexico.

“When I say (goals for inclusivity), I say it with all due respect because when the founders formed this organization, they did it in a different light,” Lopez said.

Most of the initial members were born in Mexico, so they targeted Mexican-American vintners, with a name that reflected its members.

“This is 2024,” Lopez said. “When this organization started, it wasn’t today’s world and it wasn’t started by a 41-year old woman.”

Elevating Latino voices

Lopez is determined to tell the wine industry — and the world at large — Latinos have a broad role to play in Wine Country. And multitasking, taking on a whirlwind of responsibilities, she said, gives rise to her voice.

The mother of 7-year-old twins, Emiliano and Liliana, Lopez said she has many titles besides her 24/7 position as mom.

“I get it from my family,” she said. “My family is very entrepreneurial.”

In addition to being the president of Mexican-American Vintner Association, Lopez is the co-proprietor of Aldina Vineyards, founded in 2012. The Aldina label is a portmanteau of Lopez’s parents names, Al and Dina.

The publisher of Lowrider magazine, Al Lopez had a thriving business in Los Angeles with high-production car shows to highlight his magazine.

But he moved his family to Sonoma County, where he planted a hobby vineyard in 1999, which inspired him to delve deeper into winemaking.

Today, the fruit from Aldina Vineyards— what was once his hobby vineyard — produces 1,500 cases yearly for the boutique winery. Its winemaker is Belén Ceja.

“Culturally, we wanted to seek out a Latino winemaker,” Lopez said. “We wanted to stick to our roots. For me and for our family as a whole it’s creating opportunities for other Latinos.”

Lopez is also general manager of Bacchus Landing, the wine hospitality center just west of Healdsburg city limits.

The Mediterranean-style event center resembles a small European village, and it includes a large piazza, rooftop deck and six tasting rooms leased to small, family-owned wineries. It opened in 2021 and it’s also where Aldina Vineyards pours its wines.

Of her many time-consuming roles, Lopez also serves as a board member of the Sonoma County Vintners, as well as the Fountaingrove District AVA (American Viticultural Area) association and the Luther Burbank Center of the Arts.

“Sometimes I wonder how I can get everything done,” Lopez said, with a laugh.

But the Mexican-American Vintner Association president sees every endeavor as an opportunity to shift a perspective and break a barrier.

“Latinos are an integral part of the wine industry at every level, from the workforce to winemakers to winery owners,” she said. “We need to be more active in the community to reflect this representation and have our voices heard in and out of the industry.”

“I love being outdoors, so we put a lot of work into making Bacchus Landing a place you could relax outside,” says Lopez, whose family winery, Aldina Vineyards, is one of the seven tasting rooms on-site (tastings from $25). “We really want to encourage guests to purchase a bottle of wine and just hang out.”

As your journey to wine country begins Friday afternoon, settle into Hotel Trio Healdsburg, ideally positioned near the heart of town. After unwinding in the comfort of your accommodations, make your way downtown and immerse yourself in Healdsburg’s culinary delights for dinner. Here, you’ll find Guiso’s Latin Fusion, Willi’s Seafood & Raw Bar, and The Matheson—each offering a delectable glimpse into the town’s vibrant culinary scene. Got a sweet tooth after dinner? Take a stroll from your restaurant to Noble Folk for pies, ice cream cupcakes and more or Angela’s Organic Ice Cream for fun and unique ice cream flavors.

Start your second day in Healdsburg by grabbing one of the complimentary bicycles provided by Hotel Trio and take a ride down the Foss Creek Pathway to Healdsburg’s downtown. Upon arrival downtown grab a bite for breakfast, looking for a quick cup of coffee? Stop by Black Oak Coffee or Flying Goat Coffee Roastery Cafe. Want more of a sit down breakfast option? Check out Costeaux French Bakery, The Parish Cafe or try Little Saint for a plant based option. After enjoying breakfast, take a leisurely stroll through the Healdsburg Plaza, a charming park surrounded by boutique shops, art galleries, and wine-tasting rooms. Explore the quaint streets lined with historic buildings, soaking in the town’s relaxing ambiance and artistic flare. After exploring the Plaza make your way back to the hotel to freshen up for an afternoon full of wine and fun. 

Saturday afternoon is the perfect time to visit Bacchus Landing. Bacchus Landing has become a haven for local and visiting wine connoisseurs as it is home to seven boutique wineries within its five tasting rooms. Transportation to Bacchus is as easy as hopping aboard the Hotel Trio’s shuttle, which runs to Bacchus Landing every hour, ensuring easy access to and from this wine lover’s paradise. Indulge in wine tastings by immersing yourself in the rich flavors of these locally handcrafted wines and engaging in lively conversations with passionate vintners. From elegant Pinot Noirs to velvety Zinfandels, Bacchus Landing offers various varietals to delight your palate.

If you are looking for a bite to eat for lunch, try one of the wood-fired pizzas to pair with your favorite wine and play a game of Bocce Ball before taking the shuttle back to the hotel to prepare for dinner.

For dinner, go to one of the restaurants that you might have missed on night one, or if you want something more lowkey head south of the Plaza to Lo and Behold, where you can get some good food and amazing cocktails. Looking for some nightlife after dinner? Just a short walk from Lo and Behold are the Elephant in the Room & Coyote Sonoma. Both have a vibrant nighttime atmosphere and often host live music for visitors to enjoy. 

Before checkout Sunday morning make your way across the street from Hotel Trio to Plank Coffee. Enjoy amazing coffee, pastries and breakfast items—the avocado toast is a must have! While enjoying your breakfast relive the amazing moments of your Wine Country weekend getaway.

With its blend of fine wines, culinary delights, and small-town charm, Healdsburg offers the perfect retreat for wine enthusiasts and adventurers. Whether you’re exploring the tasting rooms of Bacchus Landing or strolling through downtown Healdsburg, each moment promises to be a delightful discovery. So why wait? Plan your 48 hours in Healdsburg today and immerse yourself in the beauty of wine country.

When she was in her 20s, she watched the romance of wine transform her father, Al Lopez, from a publisher to a garagista who made wine in his garage from the fruit in his hobby vineyard.

“You could see the pride, the energy and the love he felt for what he created with his own wine,” she said.

The allure of wine also altered Lopez’s course.

The 41-year-old vintner of Aldina Vineyards, which has a tasting room in Healdsburg, is the first woman to be elected president of the Mexican-American Vintners Association.

“I’m breaking a barrier in more ways than one because I’m a Latina and I think, culturally, we’re not expected to be in these positions,” she said. “But for me personally I’m of a younger generation where I feel women and men can do any of it and all of it.”

Now at the helm for the next two years, Lopez is aiming for an even stronger unity among members because she said it will give them broader reach.

“I think the perception is that Latinos or specifically Mexicans have been the labor force in these two counties (Sonoma and Napa) and we still are to a certain degree,” she added. “But we’re more than that. We’re more than the labor force.”

The group is comprised of 17 member-vintners who are largely from Sonoma and Napa counties. Its farthest outlying member is a vintner in the Southern California city of Santa Ana in Orange County.

Vintners who band together “can do more together” to highlight their brands, Lopez saidThe Mexican-American Vintner Association or MAVA was established in 2010.

That year, the governor of Michoacán, a state in western Mexico bordered by the Pacific Ocean, invited several Mexican-American vintners from the Sonoma and Napa valleys to pour their wines at the Michoacán State Fair.

Feeling the pull of their Mexican heritage, a number of those who went to Michoacán believed they could leverage their business acumen in Mexico, as well as in the United States, where Mexican Americans are one of the fastest-growing consumer groups.

Amelia Moran Ceja, president of Ceja Vineyards, and her husband, Pedro, were at that tasting in Mexico and she recalls how she and the other vintners bonded because of their shared heritage. Most of them were born in Mexico.

“We were chatting until 2 a.m. or 3 a.m. in the morning,” Ceja said with a laugh. “And when we returned to Napa we wanted to continue the conversation and officially start the trade organization.”

The vintners, Ceja said, had talked about creating a trade organization called the Hispanic Vintners Association back in 2000 and the trip to Mexico solidified the goal to join forces. Paying homage to their Mexican roots, they settled on calling this new organization the Mexican-American Vintners Association.

“Pedro was one of the first on the board and I went to all the meetings with him,” Ceja explained. “It was exciting to start the trade association that would really bring attention to the contribution of Mexican Americans to the wine industry.”

Today, the association’s mission is to “foster and inspire the next generation of vintners” and to “highlight the sacrifice and contributions to the wine industry made by the farmworkers,” according to Mexican-American Vintner Association’s website.

Delighted that Monica Lopez is leading the charge, Ceja said there have only been male presidents in the past and women are particularly gifted at multitasking.

“We feel Monica is highly qualified,” Ceja said. “She will bring fresh new ideas and will bring what the next chapter of the association will be.”

Sergio Fernandez, the co-vintner of Napa Valley’s Don Chalo Cellars, said he’s excited about the association’s new direction.

“We like Monica’s ideas for getting new members,” Fernandez said, “and for planning more gatherings to pour the wines.”

Fernandez launched his first label in 2018, a tribute to his late father Don Chalo (Fernandez), who originally came to the Napa Valley in the 1970s through the Bracero Program. Initiated in 1942, the program was an agreement between the United States and the Mexican governments to allow permitted Mexican citizens to take temporary agricultural work in the U.S.

While his father passed before he tasted his namesake wine, Fernandez said he’s excited more people will likely experience it under Lopez’s watch.

“Monica wants to do more marketing to get more exposure for the wines,” Fernandez said.

A vision for the future

As of July 2023, according to the most recent U.S. Census Bureau data, Sonoma County’s population is 28.9% Latino, while in Napa County the Latino community is 36% of the population

Inclusivity is Lopez’s vision for Mexican-American Vintner Association’s future.

She wants to reach out to Latino vintners across California, beyond Napa Valley and Sonoma County.

“I’d love to encompass the state of California and I think it would provide more exposure to Latino vintners if they’re seeing 40 or 60 of us versus 17 of us together,” she said. “It would be more impactful.”

Inclusivity, Lopez said, also means including Latino vintners who immigrated from South America and Central America, in addition to those from Mexico.

“When I say (goals for inclusivity), I say it with all due respect because when the founders formed this organization, they did it in a different light,” Lopez said.

Most of the initial members were born in Mexico, so they targeted Mexican-American vintners, with a name that reflected its members.

“This is 2024,” Lopez said. “When this organization started, it wasn’t today’s world and it wasn’t started by a 41-year old woman.”

Elevating Latino voices

Lopez is determined to tell the wine industry — and the world at large — Latinos have a broad role to play in Wine Country. And multitasking, taking on a whirlwind of responsibilities, she said, gives rise to her voice.

The mother of 7-year-old twins, Emiliano and Liliana, Lopez said she has many titles besides her 24/7 position as mom.

“I get it from my family,” she said. “My family is very entrepreneurial.”

In addition to being the president of Mexican-American Vintner Association, Lopez is the co-proprietor of Aldina Vineyards, founded in 2012. The Aldina label is a portmanteau of Lopez’s parents names, Al and Dina.

The publisher of Lowrider magazine, Al Lopez had a thriving business in Los Angeles with high-production car shows to highlight his magazine.

But he moved his family to Sonoma County, where he planted a hobby vineyard in 1999, which inspired him to delve deeper into winemaking.

Today, the fruit from Aldina Vineyards— what was once his hobby vineyard — produces 1,500 cases yearly for the boutique winery. Its winemaker is Belén Ceja.

“Culturally, we wanted to seek out a Latino winemaker,” Lopez said. “We wanted to stick to our roots. For me and for our family as a whole it’s creating opportunities for other Latinos.”

Lopez is also general manager of Bacchus Landing, the wine hospitality center just west of Healdsburg city limits.

The Mediterranean-style event center resembles a small European village, and it includes a large piazza, rooftop deck and six tasting rooms leased to small, family-owned wineries. It opened in 2021 and it’s also where Aldina Vineyards pours its wines.

Of her many time-consuming roles, Lopez also serves as a board member of the Sonoma County Vintners, as well as the Fountaingrove District AVA (American Viticultural Area) association and the Luther Burbank Center of the Arts.

“Sometimes I wonder how I can get everything done,” Lopez said, with a laugh.

But the Mexican-American Vintner Association president sees every endeavor as an opportunity to shift a perspective and break a barrier.

“Latinos are an integral part of the wine industry at every level, from the workforce to winemakers to winery owners,” she said. “We need to be more active in the community to reflect this representation and have our voices heard in and out of the industry.”