Sausal Vineyard and Winery

Sausal Vineyard & Winery is a back-lane, peaceful winery down a long drive off of Highway 128. Driving in towards the tasting room, you are surrounded by the winery’s gnarled, old vine Zinfandel vines (some over 100 years old). Owned and operated by the Demostene family, the winery produces small lots of entirely estate grown Zinfandel, as well as other varietals, from its 125 acre Sausal Ranch property.

The tasting room is unpretentious and laid-back. The wood beamed ceilings and oak tasting counter add charm. There are picnic tables in their patio with shade under a generous grape arbor. A grassy lawn area is available for events.

The tasting fee is complimentary and gives you access to their notable old vine Zinfandels, produced from some of the oldest in Alexander Valley.

The Sausal Ranch shows three distinct soil types because of influence from the foothills, the bordering Sausal Creek, and the near by Russian River. Soils toward the back of the property are classified Suther-Laughlin Loams. These soils have shallower top soils that contain more clay. Fertility of these soils is low which helps stress the vine, forcing it to produce concentrated and intense fruit.