About Us
Italian Heart.
Sonoma Soul.
A Legacy That Lives On
A standout wine country destination for over 30 years that makes great Italian and traditional Sonoma varietal wines.
When Viansa was founded in 1990, Sam and Vicki Sebastiani set out to make great wine. But what truly set Viansa apart was their unique vision: to create an immersive experience of both the rich culture of Italy and the bounty of Sonoma to share with the world. Their innovation of the winery tasting room as a place to host, entertain, and feed guests helped usher in a new era for California wine country, one that welcomed guests and wine club members alike as amici di famiglia, or “friends of the family.”
It is this warm, engaging, and celebratory experience that continues to drive guests and members to Viansa’s hilltop villa, commonly referred to as the “Summit of Sonoma” for its unmatched panoramic view of the entire Sonoma valley, olive tree-lined vineyards, and a 97-acre wetland preserve.
Viansa Winery has been a standout wine country destination for over 30 years. Now under the stewardship of Adair Family Wines, and with the guidance and support of Sam and Vicki’s son Chris, we continue to make great Italian and traditional Sonoma varietal wines, host authentic, intimate experiences for our guests and members, and curate a seasonal wine club with our own updated spin.
As we continue to celebrate our history, we are always looking to the future. We continue to introduce new experiences, events, and products that invite you to enjoy all the best that Italy and Sonoma have to offer: superb food and wine craftsmanship, stunning natural beauty, and unforgettable gatherings of friends and family.
We hope to host you at the summit soon as amici di famiglia!
Salute!
Take A Tour
A Live Look at Our Land
See our 97 acres of beautiful natural habitat via livestream, made possible in partnership with Visit Sonoma.
Our Land
30 Years of History
Surrounding the villa, our property cascades into estate vineyards and an adjacent wetland preserve, which provides 97 acres of beautiful natural habitat for migratory birds, waterfowl, and native plants. The stewardship of this land has been a pillar of the Viansa mission throughout its 30-year history, and offers beautiful birdsong and seasonal displays of waterfowl migration to our guests.
Our vineyards offer a multitude of soil types, elevations, and exposures, allowing us to grow each of our Estate varietals in specially selected blocks. Our flagship wine, Ossidiana, is named for the obsidian that is found in our soils, and pays homage to the obsidian arrowheads left behind by the Miwok tribe that originally inhabited the area.
Family History
Viansa was born from a family legacy instrumental in establishing California as a world-renowned wine region.
1874
Samuele Sebastiani is born in Farneta, Italy. The local church holds records of the Sebastiani family stretching back to the 1300s.
1895
Samuele arrives in New York City from Tuscany, and gets his first job in the U.S. working in a soup kitchen. He moves to South San Francisco soon after, and 6 years later, produces his first wine.
1927
Samuele manages vineyards and employees in Sonoma and surrounding areas. To avoid laying off workers during Prohibition and the Depression, he starts a cannery and begins building houses, paving streets, and installing street lights in Sonoma.
1944
After returning to the wine industry with much success, Samuele passes away in Sonoma and is succeeded by his son, August, who develops Sebastiani Vineyards & Winery into a nationally recognized brand.
1990
Sam, son of August, and his wife, Vicki, break away from Sebastiani Vineyards & Winery and establish their own winery, Viansa — the name a portmanteau of “Vicki and Sam.”
2018
After a period of outside ownership following the sale of Viansa in 2005, sons Jon and Chris Sebastiani, the fourth generation of the Sebastiani family in Sonoma, reclaim operation of the winery.
2024
Adair Family Wines becomes the new stewards of Viansa, preserving its family heritage and vision.
1874
1895
Samuele arrives in New York City from Tuscany, and gets his first job in the U.S. working in a soup kitchen. He moves to South San Francisco soon after, and 6 years later, produces his first wine.
1927
Samuele manages vineyards and employees in Sonoma and surrounding areas. To avoid laying off workers during Prohibition and the Depression, he starts a cannery and begins building houses, paving streets, and installing street lights in Sonoma.
1944
After returning to the wine industry with much success, Samuele passes away in Sonoma and is succeeded by his son, August, who develops Sebastiani Vineyards & Winery into a nationally recognized brand.
1990
Sam, son of August, and his wife, Vicki, break away from Sebastiani Vineyards & Winery and establish their own winery, Viansa — the name a portmanteau of “Vicki and Sam.”
2018
After a period of outside ownership following the sale of Viansa in 2005, sons Jon and Chris Sebastiani, the fourth generation of the Sebastiani family in Sonoma, reclaim operation of the winery.
2024
Adair Family Wines becomes the new stewards of Viansa, preserving its family heritage and vision.
Our Winemaker
Meredith Leahy
A Florida native with a degree in Chemistry from the University of Florida, Meredith Leahy has blended her love of science and passion for art to become a distinguished winemaker. With nearly two decades of experience, she is celebrated for crafting exceptional wines from California’s most prestigious regions.
Her career is defined by a hands-on approach and a commitment to excellence. Meredith began her journey with foundational roles in the cellar at Mumm Napa and The Hess Collection, which prepared her for a decade-long tenure at Knights Bridge Winery. It was here she focused on ultra-premium winemaking, refining a meticulous style dedicated to expressing the unique character of estate and single-vineyard fruit.
Building on her skills beyond the cellar, Meredith took on key management roles at Huge Bear Wines and The Caves at Soda Canyon in Napa Valley. As both Production Manager and General Manager, she gained a holistic understanding of winery operations, from the vineyard to the final bottle.
Today, Meredith brings this comprehensive knowledge and celebrated touch to Viansa Winery. She now leads the winemaking program, creating a portfolio of wines that honor their Sonoma and Italian heritage while showcasing her world-class expertise.
