Events






theCompass mobile application is a winery, brewery, and distillery locator for North America.



Martin Ray Winery

Martin Ray Winery Courtney Benham acquired the historic Martini & Prati winery in July 2003, which is now Martin Ray Winery and the home of our new Tasting Room. The Tasting Room structure, dating back to the 1900's, used to serve as a stable and bunkhouse where Italian immigrants stayed during harvest and crush. The winery also houses a 1 million gallon production facility that is used not only for our own wine production, but also as a 'custom crush' facility where over 20 clients crush their grapes and produce their wine. Established in 1881 as the Twin Fir Winery, the historic site is distinguished as the oldest winery in continuous operation in Sonoma County and one of the oldest wineries in California. The winery was able to stay in operation during prohibition by selling sacramental wines by train to Rabbis through a winery in New York. Originally known as Martini & Prati, which was established in 1902, the winery was run by five generations of the Martini family and associated with the local Italian-American community that still includes the Sebastiani's, the Foppiano's, the Pedroncelli's and the Seghesio's. Thirty 11,000 gallon old-growth redwood tanks dating back to 1904 are still used at the winery and can be viewed during our winery tour. The winery used to have over 1.5 million gallons of redwood tank storage, some single tanks holding up to 35,000 gallons, but many have been removed in order to provide more sophisticated, modern methods of storage. Thirty-two open-top concrete fermentation tanks are also still in use at the winery, as well as stainless steel open-top fermenters, which is a more modern method. Much of the winery storage areas have been converted to barrel rooms where we store the majority of our wine. We primarily use French oak barrels due to its superb quality and oak accents that give the wines vanilla, spice and often herbaceous aromas and flavor. We use most of our barrels for 5 to 6 years, depending upon the percentages of new, neutral and old wood we want to use on a particular wine. Beginning a new era for Martin Ray Winery at this historic site in the Russian River Valley has given us the opportunity to create a home for the Martin Ray and Angeline wines in a very unique and inviting setting. With our large production facility, prime location and the traditional, antique charm of the winery we have all the elements we need to provide us with growth and success. Visit us soon to experience Martin Ray Winery first-hand!

Directions
From North of Santa Rosa: Take Hwy. 101 heading south towards Santa Rosa. Take the Guerneville Rd. exit in Santa Rosa and turn right at the light on Guerneville Rd. Follow Guerneville Rd. for about 10 miles west and then turn right on Laguna Rd. If you reach Hwy. 116, you went too far. About 1 mile north on Laguna Road on the left hand side. Look for the 135 foot tall water tower. From South of Santa Rosa: Take Hwy. 101 heading north towards Santa Rosa, Healdsburg. Take the Guerneville Rd. exit in Santa Rosa and turn left at the light on Guerneville Rd. Follow Guerneville Rd. for about 10 miles west and then turn right on Laguna Rd. If you reach Hwy. 116, you went too far. About 1 mile north on Laguna Road on the left hand side. Look for the 135 foot tall water tower.


View Map | View Weather | View WineCompass Visit


Address Web Social
2191 Laguna Road, Santa Rosa, CA, US, 95401 Email: tastingroom@martinraywinery.com
Phone: 707-823-2404 Web: www.martinraywinery.com
Fax: 707-829-6151
Back to CA wine list

Products



  Angeline Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
Rich black cherry & plum flavors layered with hints of vanilla, creamy oak & cassis.
  Angeline Mendocino County Gewurztraminer
Gold Medal Winner! - 2008 Orange County Fair 89 Points, BEST BUY! - Wine Enthusiast, November 2007. Bright aromas of apricot and rose, invite you to rich, full flavors; a fresh, crisp wine with a lightly spicy note.
  Angeline Mendocino County Riesling
ANGELINE 2005 MENDOCINO COUNTY RIESLING is made from grapes carefully selected from Nelson Family Vineyards in Sanel Valley north of Hopland in the cool Mendocino County wine region. Mendocino County, similar to our home in the Russian River Valley, is known for its cool daytime temperatures often accompanied by morning and evening fog due to the coastal influence. The Riesling fruit from this region is rich with concentrated fruit flavors and strong varietal characteristics.
  Angeline Russian River Valley Chardonnay
A pure and vibrant Chardonnay, with crisp flavors of lush peach and apple balanced by hints of creamy oak.
  Angeline Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
87 Points! - J.L., Wine Spectator, June 30, 2008. Top Rated Wine by the Bottle in restaurants nationwide, Wine & Spirits Magazine 19th Annual Restaurant Poll, April 2008 issue. Bright flavors of ripe raspberries and strawberries, layered with subtle nuances of vanilla oak ...
  Angeline Russian River Valley Sauvignon Blanc
GOLD MEDAL WINNER! - Sonoma County Harvest Fair 2007 TOP VALUE, 88 Points! - Wine Spectaor, August 31, 2007 issue TOP VALUE, 88 Points! - Wine & Spirits Magazine, August 2007 issue GOLD MEDAL WINNER! - California State Fair 2007 Wine Competition The ideal refresher: Fresh floral, ...
  Angeline Sonoma County Merlot
Aromas of wild blueberries, cherry and vanilla. Subtle oak accents enhance its ripe, rich character with hints of vanilla.
  Courtney Benham Dry Creek Valley Zinfandel
90 Points! Editor's Choice: Wine Enthusiast Magazine, Dec. 2007. 93 Points! Beverage Dynamics, Nov/Dec. 2007. Abundant aromas of bright blackberry and vanilla will seduce and satisfy your palate with concentrated berry flavors and smooth, creamy oak.
  Courtney Benham Lake County Sauvignon Blanc
Rich flavors of melon, tangy grapefruit and pineapple continue in this wine. This smooth, full wine has an ample palate with lingering bright flavors of refreshing fruit.
  Courtney Benham Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
Enticing aromas and flavors of sumptuous cherries and ripe plums are accented with hints of vanilla oak.
  Martin Ray Mendocino County Pinot Gris
90 Points! Editor's Choice - Wine Enthusiast, October 2007 issue. 87 Points! - Wine & Spirits Magazine, August 2007 issue. A rich, yet refreshing wine: Rich floral aromatics lead to flavors of luscious fresh peaches and creamy vanilla.
  Martin Ray Napa Valley Merlot
Silver Medal Winner! - 2008 California State Fair. 84 Points! - Wine Enthusiast Magazine, June 2008 issue. Bright, complex flavors of fresh cherry and strawberry are nicely rounded out by rich vanilla oak, with a deep, elegant finish.
  Martin Ray Napa Valley Sauvignon Blanc
Fruity aromatics lead to flavors of ripe melon, luscious peach and tangy grapefruit.
  Martin Ray Napa-Sonoma-Mendocino Counties Cabernet Sauvignon
Ripe berries and lush vanilla back aromatics thick with cherries and black currant fruit; a bright and robust Cab.
  Martin Ray Reserve Diamond Mountain District Cabernet Sauvignon
92 Points! - Wine Enthusiast Magazine, June Silver Medal Winner! - 2008 California State Fair. Enticing aromas and flavors of sumptuous cherries, black currants and ripe plums are accented by hints of vanilla oak that lead to a long, rich finish.
  Martin Ray Reserve Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
An oak driven Pinot Noir wih surprising aromas of cream soda, raspberry & vanilla. Bright flavors of fresh raspberries and strawberries lead to a full, velvety mouthfeel.
  Martin Ray Reserve Santa Cruz Mountains Cabernet Sauvignon
91 Points! - Wine Enthusiast, August 2008. Inviting, elegant aromas of vanilla and cherry lead to lush flavors of blackberry and plum, finishing with a lingering whisper of toasty oak.
  Martin Ray Reserve Sonoma Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon
This hearty, bold Cab has rich aromas and flavors of black cherries, luscious chocolate, vanilla cream and black currants.
  Martin Ray Reserve Stags Leap District Cabernet Sauvignon
Gold Medal Winner! - 2008 California State Fair. 93 Points! - Patrick Comiskey, WineReviewOn-Line.com, June 10, 2008. 92 Points! - Wine Enthusiast Magazine, June 2008 issue. Abundant aromas of plum and black currant will seduce and satisfy your palate that continues with...
  Martin Ray Russian River Valley Chardonnay
Our 2006 Russian River Valley Chardonnay begins with aromas highlighted by fresh melon, apple and vanilla. A superior structure with flavors of crisp apple, melon & creamy vanilla.
  Martin Ray Santa Barbara County Pinot Noir
87 Points! - J.L., Wine Spectator, June 30, 2008 issue. Silver Medal Winner! - 2008 Orange County Fair. Aromas of fresh berries & creamy vanila; full and sensual with ripe raspberry and strawberry, elegantly balanced with vanilla with bright flavors on the finish.
  Red.
Red. is a creative spin on an old tradition, recreated in a modern and flashy new package. Rich aromas of vanilla, plum and cherry lead to bright and lively ripe plum and cherry flavors, with a creamy oak finish.

Reviews

Add New Review