An intersection of rich history and winemaking passion can be discovered on the historic Sonoma Plaza at Zina Hyde Cunningham Winery and Vineyards.
Producing just 3,000 cases per year from its estate vineyards, Zina Hyde Cunningham is well known for its small-lot productions of award-winning wines. The winery’s portfolio includes its flagship wines, Anderson Valley Chardonnay and Anderson Valley Pinot Noir, along with highly acclaimed Sauvignon Blancs, Zinfandels, and Cabernet Sauvignons. Zina wines encapsulate the collective vision, wisdom, and experience of 150 years of family winemaking and viticultural heritage.
In 1849, Zina Hyde Cunningham packed up his life in Maine and headed west in hopes of striking it rich in the California gold mines. Several years later, when that hadn’t proven fruitful, he purchased a 160-acre ranch in Sonoma County where he began farming Zinfandel and Alicante grapes. After three years, he became the first in the long line of family winemakers. Zina was dedicated to grape growing and winemaking on California’s north coast. He passed his winery down to his son, William, who in turn, passed it down to his son, Lloyd, who kept the family business flourishing until Prohibition forced him to convert all but a small amount of his vineyards to walnut, prune, apple, and pear orchards. Lloyd’s son, Bill, finally returned his family to their roots in 2004. Bill became a winemaker with a focus on taking Old World techniques and refining them for the New World palate—creating the Zina Hyde Cunningham wines that are known and loved today.
Guests can enjoy this rich family legacy when they visit the Zina Hyde Cunningham tasting room in the heart of downtown Sonoma. They can sample the ultra-premium wines or take part in an exquisite four- or six- course wine and food pairing featuring unique dishes designed to complement the wines. At Zina, good winemaking is achieved with a perfect balance of science, art, a communion with nature, and lifestyle.