Ram's Gate Winery

Consumed with Passion.

In a world obsessed with making things faster, where speed is valued above all else, Ram’s Gate is our way of pressing pause. It began with a dream to create a different kind of place, where the things we love most are savored and enjoyed.

It’s a beautiful place, the Sonoma Valley. And Ram’s Gate Winery is located right at its entrance. A fusion of classic elegance with a youthful spirit, this stunning vineyard estate perfectly captures the essence of winemaking at its best. Our aim is simple: to create the finest possible wines that only our climate and our terroirs can produce.

The architecture nods affectionately to its natural surroundings. Outside, is a modern interpretation of the weathered farmsteads of Carneros. Inside, is an eclectic mix of contemporary chic and urban cool. Relaxed yet refined, individual yet uncomplicated, Ram’s Gate has been designed to inspire great company, and even better hospitality.

The best things in life don’t happen by accident. They require passion, attention and above all time. We’re crafting a winery of exception. One bottle at a time.


Story

Passion isn’t an easy word to define. At Ram’s Which is exactly how Jeff O’Neill, a third generation vintner, developed the vision for Ram’s Gate. Alongside good friends, Peter Mullin, Paul Violich and Michael John, Jeff found an enchanting property in Sonoma right at the gateway to Sonoma and Napa wine country. “When we found Ram’s Gate, we each of us knew we’d also found the perfect location to develop special wines and special wine experiences. We had a desire to build a true original that would come to nurture some of the region’s best wines. A big part of that desire was creating a place for people to come and enjoy those wines in an elegant and relaxed environment. Accompanied by generous hosts, delicious, locally sourced foods and of course, great company.”

Howard Backen designed Ram’s Gate. An award winning architect whose sensitivity to the natural landscape has resulted in a modern interpretation of the weathered farmsteads of old Carneros. Architecturally, the buildings are historically precise, yet they’ve been built with a mix of materials that contrast the modern with the traditional to bewitching effect. The barn has been designed so that everything is on an axis, bringing the spectacular vistas inside at every turn.

The visionary style of interior designer Orlando Diaz-Acuz is apparent from the moment you enter the magnificent entrance. Floor-to-ceiling windows offer stunning views across the vineyards and lake, while the thrilling scale of ceilings, doors, windows and staircase are complimented by bold color, eclectic furniture, lighting and accent pieces coming together in a dreamlike composition. A culmination that characterizes the uniqueness of Ram’s Gate.

Passion is not a term we use lightly. But we do know when it comes to architecture, design, food and hospitality, Ram’s Gate is where we have brought those passions together.


You - Experience Ram’s Gate

If you’re the type of person who loves the idea of sampling fine wines and fresh locally sourced cuisine in beautiful surroundings, then consider this a warm invitation to Ram’s Gate Winery. No matter how much you happen to know (or want to know) about wine, we have designed Ram’s Gate with you in mind.

How you spend your time here is up to you. With an experience and venue to match any mood, palate or event, our wine tastings can be as inventive as your imagination allows. Choose from all kinds of wine experiences, special chef demonstrations, wine and food pairings. Celebrate friendships over dinner, relax in The Library with a special bottle over a game of chess, or allow us to prepare a decadent family picnic by the lake.

It’s a good life we lead up here in Ram’s Gate. The space, the landscape, the people make it so. We know that genuinely exceptional wine is where Ram’s Gate begins and ends. We also know that attention to detail and generous hospitality is what makes Ram’s Gate a memorable and magical place for you – to chill out, let go and savor the things that matter most to you.


People

- Co-Founder Jeff O’Neill, Owner of O’Neill Vintners & Distillers, and one of the industry’s most successful entrepreneurs. Jeff has worked in wine for most of his life and is a former Chair of the California Wine Institute.

- Winemaker Jeff Gaffner, a 25-year veteran of the industry and one of the region’s preeminent vintners. His experience includes Saxon Brown, Xtant, Stephanie and Black Kite Cellars. Notably, Jeff was part of the winemaking team responsible for Chateau St. Jean’s 1996 Cinq Cepages, which was named the 1999 Wine of the Year by Wine Spectator Magazine.

- World-Renowned Architect Howard Backen, whose portfolio includes landmark wineries Harlan Estate, Bond and Screaming Eagle; and hotels/resorts Meadowood, CordeValle, Esperanza, and Sundance.

- Acclaimed Interior Designer Orlando Diaz-Acuzy, whose striking work includes the "Intermezzo" Lounge for the San Francisco Opera, the Spa and Pool of Hong Kong's celebrated Peninsula Hotel, The Peninsula Phuket Hotel, and the restaurant Masa’s in San Francisco.

- General Manager David Oliver, a 25-year veteran of the hospitality industry, has held leadership roles at several of the most well-known luxury brands including: General Manager for The Lodge at Pebble Beach, Casa Palmero and The Inn at Pebble Beach, as well as the Vice President of Operations for Hualalai Resort at Historic Ka’upulehu on the Big Island of Hawaii.

- Vineyard Manager Ned Hill, co-founder of La Prenda Vineyard Management, grew up on the Durrell Ranch and has worked in the wine industry his entire life. Ned and his wife now farm over 500 acres in Sonoma and work with the area’s most prized winemakers.


Ram’s Gate Winery & Estate Vineyards.
Open 10am - 6pm Daily.
After Thanksgiving Day: Open 10am - 6pm Thursday - Monday.

Appointments required for groups of 8 or more.
28700 Arnold Dr. Sonoma, CA 95476-9700