Our Story
As a family owned and operated winery, we are committed to preserving and improving our environment and minimizing our impact through the use of vineyard and winery practices known as Sustainable Winegrowing. These practices conserve water and energy, maintain healthy soil, protect air and water quality, enhance relations with employees and communities, preserve local ecosystems and wildlife habitat and improve the economic vitality of vineyards and wineries.
The Family
We came to Rutherford in 1964 and made our first vintage of Sauvignon Blanc in 1980. Since that time, our family has worked to build a socially responsible business that will thrive for generations.
Winemaking
Our talented, all female winemaking team focus production on Cabernet Sauvignon and Sauvignon Blanc, two varietals that grow perfectly in Rutherford.
Honig Postcards
Our postcards are our way to show that, while we take winemaking very seriously, we don’t take ourselves too seriously. Life's no good if you can't have some fun!
Sustainability
Our California Sustainable Winegrowing Alliance and Fish Friendly Farming certifications serve to demonstrate our leadership and commitment to creating a better future for our planet and the generations to come.
Solar Power
Sniffer Dogs
Birds
Bees
History
We purchased our Rutherford Vineyard in 1964, and began producing wine in 1980. In 1984, at the age of 22, Michael Honig took over management of the vineyard and winery. With the help of a handful of family members and a staff of dedicated employees, what began as a small “garage” winery has today become a successful family enterprise, with everyone working collaboratively to run an inspiring and socially responsible business.
1964
Louis Honig purchased a 68-acre ranch in Rutherford, in the heart of the Napa Valley. The vineyard was planted with Sauvignon Blanc and Cabernet Sauvignon grapes, which he sold to neighboring wineries. Louis worked to create a family gathering place at the ranch, for his children and grandchildren, while he dreamed of the day he could retire from his San Francisco advertising agency and make wine from his vineyard.
1980
Louis passed away before he could realize his dream, leaving the estate to his family. In 1980, as a tribute to his legacy, his family produced a few hundred cases of Louis Honig Sauvignon Blanc in the vineyard’s old tractor barn. After the wine won a Gold Medal at the Orange County Fair, the family decided to increase production, and Honig Vineyard & Winery was born.
1984
At the age of 22, grandson Michael Honig took over management of the vineyard and winery. In 1989 the family began producing small amounts of Cabernet Sauvignon. As the business grew, family members Regina Weinstein, Steven Honig, and Rapha Cruz joined Michael in the winery.
Today
The Honig family are leaders in sustainability, both in the vineyard and the winery, and what began as a small “garage” winery has today become a successful family enterprise, with everyone working collaboratively to run an inspiring and socially responsible business.