Donelan Family Wines is a father and son(s) operation. The brand was started by Joe Donelan in 2009 after he had spent some years working on a different winery project and decided to branch out and start his own (family) brand. Donelan Wines is now run by Joe and his sons Tripp and Cushing. Their total current case production is well under 10,000 and there are no plans to move on from boutique-winery status any time soon.
Donelan’s focus is on making wines that showcase the unique vineyards they are sourced from. Passionate about Sonoma County appellations with a unique affinity for cool-climate syrahs and Rhone blends, Donelan produces a range of extremely limited production wines, many of which are only available to their wine club (though they may make an exception if you are tasting with them and they have a few bottles available for sale).
Donelan Wines production facility and hospitality space are located in an industrial business complex in Santa Rosa, alongside other boutiques Sonoma County wine and artisan food producers. Tasting are available by appointment only and include a seated tasting of five or so wines alongside a small plate consisting of a few nibbles (charcuterie, cheese, nuts, chocolate..).
Wines: Rousanne-viognier blend, chardonnay, pinot noir (they make a couple of different vineyard designate pinot noirs), Cuvee Mariah (a Chateauneuf-du-Pape style Rhone varietal blend), Cuvee Christine (a blend of a few different cool climate syrahs) in addition to a handful of very limited production syrahs.
Note: The winery has garnered four 100 point scores for their syrahs.
Insider Tip: If you are a fan of French Rhone blends such as Chateauneuf-du-Pape or Northern Rhone style syrahs you will be pleasantly surprised at the subtlety, balance, and elegance of Donelan’s Cuvee Moriah and Cuvee Christine.