Martin Ray Winery

Driving to and from clients I spotted a tall water tower in the distance.

A large rainbow flag for gay pride month drew my attention in further.

After a day of work I had just enough time to sneak over and check the winery with the water tower out.

Martin Ray Winery!

In 2003, Courtney Benham began making Martin Ray wine at the Martini and Prati Winery

One of the oldest winery sites in the Russian River Valley.

In 2012, Courtney Benham bought the winery.

Why the name Martin Ray Winery?

Martin Ray was a Saratoga, innovative winemaker in the ‘40’s.

One of the first to make a dry French varietal wine.

Martin Ray retired in ‘72 and died four years later.

Courtney Benham decided to revive the brand in the 90’s.

He wanted to make wines that would make Martin Ray proud.

In 1990 Courtney Benham stumbled upon 1,500 cases of Martin Ray library wine.

In a warehouse in San Jose dating back 40 years.

He purchased the Martin Ray brand a year later.

Instead of keeping Martin Ray in Santa Cruz, he moved it to Sonoma County.

29 years later he continues to fuse the historical brand philosophy with his own vision.

He also founded Blackstone wine brand, which he later sold.

Today in addition to Martin Ray, his other brand is Angeline.

The winery has many wonderful amenities.

Stroll the flower gardens and the vineyard, picnic, or relax…

Big, bright, and colorful Adirondack chairs sit on the edge of the vineyard.

Chickens may join your group.

Play a friendly game of corn hole or bocce.

Open Daily 10:00 – 5:00 pm

Walk-ins Welcome

Tasting $20 pp includes 6 tastings.

A nice variety of red and white wines.

Their Pinot is my personal favorite.