Sonoma's second generation

Ramey family

A new generation is taking Sonoma’s benchmark producers to new heights. Claire (far left) and Alan (far right), current co-presidents of Ramey Wine Cellars, are pictured above with their parents Carla and David.

‘What’s your succession plan?’ is a question that garners more looks of bewilderment from independent producers than any other I have asked.

It’s a blunt question. But in a country where there is a constant stream of news of acquisitions of independent wineries by wine groups (in 2023 alone we’ve seen Daou go to Treasury, Rombauer to Gallo, Massican to Gallo, Domaine Roy & Fils to Marchesi...