Steve Ledson, fifth generation farmer, winemaker, and owner of Ledson Winery & Vineyards in Kenwood, and Ledson Hotel & Centre du Vin in Sonoma, has an uncanny knack for realizing his visions. When he was 13, his first soapbox derby car won the prize for its construction. He grew up and founded Ledson Construction in the heart of Sonoma Valley wine country. He pursued a successful career, but with winegrowing in his blood, it’s no surprise that Steve wanted to plant his own vineyard. He purchased a 21-acre property, planted 17 acres to Merlot, and started building a house for his family.

The land proved to be fertile and so did Steve’s imagination. By the time the Merlot was ready to harvest, the Ledsons had a four-story 16,000-square foot Normandy-style edifice on their hands. Steve decided that "The Castle" would work best as a winery and in 1999, two years after he released his first wine, Ledson Winery & Vineyards opened its magnificent tasting room doors to the public.

The beloved Sonoma Valley landmark features sweeping staircases, marble fireplaces, detailed woodwork, 10 exquisite tasting bars and suites, plus a gourmet marketplace. Naturally, guests are impressed with the architecture, but they are equally pleased when they taste the wines. The Ledson label specializes in small lots of handcrafted wines that offer a diversity of vineyard designated varietals, including Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Zinfandel, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Barbera, Sangiovese, Syrah, Petite Sirah, Merlot, Riesling, numerous red blends and more. In just a dozen years they have won more than 100 Gold medals, multiple 90-plus Best of Class distinctions, and prestigious Sweepstakes awards.

"We make a wine for everybody’s palate and price," Steve says. "I pride myself on it." Recently, Steve asked two renowned winemakers, David Ramey and Andrew Bilenkij, to join his team—which bodes well for future vintages.

Since The Castle is a vacation highlight for many guests, the Ledson Winery Marketplace is stocked with fresh salads, sandwiches, and quick bites for those who want to picnic on the lawn under the old oak trees. There are so many wonderful offerings, it’s nearly impossible to describe them—but Bon Appetit’s Anthony Dias Blue found a way with "Delicious."

With the conviction that wine tasting should revolve around luxury and relaxation, Steve has pursued yet another vision on the charming Sonoma Plaza. The Ledson Hotel features six elegantly decorated guest rooms on the building’s upper floor, with balconies, king-sized beds, whirlpool tubs, marble sinks and showers, fireplaces, internet access, and state-of-the-art surround sound television.

Centre du Vin, a bustling, chic local bistro, covers the entire ground floor. Guests can relax indoors at the bar beside the fireplace, or outdoors under a classic red awning on the lovely front terrace overlooking the square. A delectable daily menu is offered, along with an intriguing wine pairing menu featuring local wines. On some evenings, live music fills the air.

A thriving winery, a boutique luxury hotel, and a chic bistro on the plaza—each of Steve Ledson’s visions deserves to be seen and experienced.



Nearby Wineries

Anaba Wines
Scenic view, private tastings and tours by appointment educational seminars, sustainable farming practices, pet friendly, wine club discounts.

Annadel Estate Winery
From the ruins of a nineteenth century winery and 20 acres of neglected vineyards and rose gardens, Annadel Estate Winery has become one of Sonoma Valley’s standout wineries, offering an utterly unique, private wine tasting experience.

B.R. Cohn Winery
For those who love excellent wines, olive oils, music, and a relaxed family vibe, B.R. Cohn Winery hits all the high notes.

Buena Vista Winery
The Count of Buena Vista is credited with creating California's first gravity flow winery, excavating the area's first wine caves, and introducing Redwood barrels for aging and fermentation: he imported more than 300 different varieties to California from Europe.

Chateau St. Jean
With gracious style, exquisite architecture, and inviting gardens, Chateau St. Jean has become an icon in the Sonoma Valley.

Clarbec Wines
Generations of family farming in Sonoma County have built a strong heritage for Clarbec Wines.

Cline Cellars
At the gateway to Sonoma wine country in the Carneros AVA, Cline Cellars provides visitors with a warm and wonderful welcome to wine country.

Gloria Ferrer Caves & Vineyards
Gloria Ferrer Caves & Vineyards in Sonoma, California is renowned for the creation of exquisite estate Pinot Noir and Chardonnay wines as well as sparkling wines.

Jacuzzi Family Vineyards/The Olive Press
Founded in honor of Valeriano Jacuzzi of pump and spa fame by grandson Fred Cline and his wife Nancy, Jacuzzi Family Vineyards stands for a passion for winemaking, invention, and a love of family.

Patz & Hall
Every inch of The Sonoma House at Patz & Hall is dedicated to greeting guests and making them feel like old friends as they sample the exquisite wines.

Sebastiani Vineyards & Winery
With a history that dates back 111 years, Sebastiani Vineyards and Winery is one of the great names in American Wine.

Viansa Winery & Marketplace
Idyllically situated on a hilltop at the entrance to the legendary Sonoma Valley, Viansa Winery & Marketplace has become a destination for wine and food lovers from around the world.

Contact

480 First Street East
Sonoma, CA  95476

Phone: 707-996-9779
Website: ledson.com

Touring & Tasting is a media company that produces a wine and travel magazine and is also partner in the Hitched Wine Club.