Business Details
35 Years
experience
Award-Winning Wine Tasting in Santa Rosa, CA
Established in 1991, Sunce Winery is a family-owned and operated boutique winery nestled in the Russian River Valley of Sonoma County. Our philosophy centers on crafting small-lot, vineyard-designate wines and classic blends that reflect the unique terroir of our region. With a commitment to quality over quantity, we produce limited releasesoften fewer than 200 cases per vintagemany of which are pre-sold through our barrel futures program. Our estate Pinot Noir vineyard and partnerships with premier growers across Russian River Valley, Dry Creek Valley, Sonoma Valley, and Clear Lake appellation ensure access to exceptional fruit year after year.Led by founder Frane Franicevic, a Croatian-born winemaker with decades of experience, and his wife Janae, a seasoned business strategist, we combine Old World traditions with modern innovation. Visitors enjoy immersive experiences including guided tastings of our award-winning wines, strolls through our vineyards, and casual bocce ball games on our scenic deck. Our allocation membership program offers exclusive access to rare reserves and pre-releases, while our tasting room remains a destination for wine enthusiasts seeking personalized service in a tranquil, romantic setting.
Services
Wine Tasting
Vineyard Tours
Allocation Membership
Barrel Futures
Picnic Area
Bocce Ball
Wine Sales
Estate Vineyard
Wine Education
Private Events
Details
- Year established: 1991
Highlights and features
- Family-owned since 1991 with generational winemaking expertise
- Produce limited-quantity, vineyard-designate wines recognized at major competitions
- Offer exclusive barrel futures and allocation memberships for rare vintages
- Maintain partnerships with top growers across four Northern California appellations
- Provide personalized tastings in a serene vineyard setting with complimentary amenities
What people say
Exceptional wines
Beautiful vineyard views
Friendly and knowledgeable staff
Memorable bocce ball experience
Outstanding barrel tasting access
Services
Wine Tasting
Experience our award-winning wines through guided tastings in a picturesque vineyard setting. Tastings cost $25 per person, with members and guests receiving complimentary access. Reservations are required due to limited capacity.
Allocation Membership
Join our exclusive allocation program for guaranteed access to limited-production wines. Members receive curated shipments 2-6 times annually, discounts on purchases, and invitations to private events like barrel tastings and crush parties.
Vineyard Tours
Explore our estate Pinot Noir vineyard and learn about sustainable growing practices. Tours include access to century-old head-pruned vines and insights into our partnerships with premier regional growers across four Northern California wine regions.
Barrel Futures
Secure pre-release access to our most exclusive wines through the Futures Program. Participants receive 50% off barrel selections and early access to library reserves, with payment plans available for optimal cellaring opportunities.
Private Events
Host special occasions in our scenic vineyard setting. The property accommodates weddings, corporate retreats, and private tastings with customized wine pairings, bocce ball access, and panoramic views of Sonoma County's rolling countryside.
People
Frane Franicevic
Founder & Winemaker
Croatian-born winemaker with a PhD in East West psychology, Frane established Sunce Winery in 1998 after decades of winemaking experience. He combines academic rigor with Old World traditions to craft award-winning wines.
Janae Franicevic
Co-Founder & Business Strategist
Marketing expert who rebranded One World Winery to Sunce in 1998. Janae oversees business operations and promotional strategy, leveraging her expertise to build the winery's reputation as a premier Sonoma County destination.
Questions
What are your tasting room hours?
We're open Thursday-Monday from 10:30 AM to 5:00 PM. Closed Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and major holidays like Thanksgiving and Christmas.
Do I need a reservation for tastings?
Yes, reservations are required due to limited capacity. Call (707) 526-9463 well in advance to schedule your tasting appointment.
Are pets allowed at the winery?
Yes, we welcome pets in our outdoor areas. Please ensure they're on a leash and well-behaved while enjoying our vineyard setting.
Can I purchase wines online?
Yes, visit our website to purchase current releases. Members receive exclusive access to barrel futures and library reserves through our allocation program.
Do you host private events?
Yes, our vineyard accommodates weddings and private events. Contact us for details about venue capacity, rental fees, and customized wine pairing options.
What awards have your wines won?
Our wines have earned 40+ gold medals at competitions including the San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition and Sonoma County Harvest Fair in recent years.
Reviews (4)
Gregg Gustafson
Dec 15, 2021
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Wine tasting experience with the variety of wines they offer is impressive. Wine club membership is reasonably priced, but a great bargain if you take advantage of purchasing futures. Invest today in tomorrow's wine with a winery that makes great wine. This is a triple win. We travel from Michigan twice a year and bring friends. This is a big highlight of their time in Bodega Bay.
Chamindri Aluwihare
Jul 19, 2021
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Small family owned winery. They had a good variety to taste from. Kids played Bocce ball while we sipped our wine. Nicole was fantastic. We stayed a couple of hours - longer than anticipated and ended up taking a few good bottles home. Looking forward to enjoying them at leisure. All in all glad we picked Sunce. I have a feeling we'll be back!
Randi Harry
Jun 12, 2020
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Fabulous small winery with many unusual varieties and blends. Great people, very pleasant setting. Currently open only for wine club members (Covid), check website first.
Yesenia Fernandez
Sep 04, 2019
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After hearing what my family had to say I am leaving a review for them because they do not have an account . Family owned winerys are where it is at . Not too small not too big. All great things. Cheese, home grown olives, and crackers to go with the amazing fresh wine. If you are an animal lover their are 2 beautiful doggie that greet you when arriving and makes sure you are in correct parking spot. Truly a beautiful place, owners, workers and environment. Highly recommend! No complaints!
