Abbot’s Passage to fully reopen July 1

Unique tasting experiences and an eclectic mercantile draws guests.|

A sixth generation vintner, Katie Bundschu will fully reopen her Abbot’s Passage Winery & Mercantile next Thursday, July 1 at the site of the former Valley of the Moon Winery. Abbot's Passage initially opened three years ago off Broadway, in a small building now occupied by Highway 12 and Highwayman wines. It moved to Madrone in August 2020.

The Canadian Stewart family, which sold the Valley of the Moon property to Abbot’s Passage of the Bundschu family properties, also owned Lake Sonoma Winery as well as Quail’s Gate Winery near Kelowna in the Okanagan Valley of British Columbia.

In true Bundschu tradition, Katie loves adventure and fun and offers both to visitors including shuffleboard, a glass or bottle service on picnic tables in the olive grove, elegant but casual wine tastings at field tables among the 80-year-old zinfandel wines, and great seasonal food such as a “grazing board with housemade pickled vegetables, dried fruits, housemade crackers and local cheeses and charcuterie.” And of course wine.

The Bundschu family has always respected and preserved history in Sonoma Valley and, in fact, they are a huge and important part of wine history here with the family’s first harvest 150 years ago.

Abbot’s Passage Mercantile represents Katie’s taste from around the world along with local crafts, with an emphasis on sustainably made goods from female-owned businesses.

Their wines are predominantly Rhône focused, exploratory blends. Katie grafted the old vines with mourvèdre, carignan, and petite sirah vines, resulting in creative field blends. Family and dog friendly. Open 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Thursday through Monday. 777 Madrone Rd, Glen Ellen. 939-3017.

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