
Hook & Ladder Vineyards & Winery
Santa Rosa · Russian River Valley
$15/person
The Oxto Edit
Oxto AIHook & Ladder exists because of a firefighter. After 17 years with the San Francisco Fire Department, Cecil De Loach came home to the Russian River Valley — where his family had already been growing grapes for decades — and built a winery that carries the name of his former profession. This isn't a branding gimmick. It's a place shaped by people who actually worked for a living, and it shows. Bring the dog, bring the kids, walk in without a reservation — the rustic tasting barn on historic Olivet Road is that kind of place. Cecil's grandson Jason makes the wines now, limited-production Pinot Noir, Zinfandel, and Cab from some of the oldest estate vines in the appellation. Stay a while, grab a table outside, and taste through a flight at your own pace. World-class fruit, zero pretense.
About
Hook & Ladder Winery was founded in 2003 by former San Francisco firefighter Cecil De Loach, blending a passion for winemaking with a deep-rooted connection to service, community, and craftsmanship. Located in the heart of the Russian River Valley, our winery is built on estate vineyards that reflect the character and diversity of Sonoma County.
We focus on producing balanced, expressive wines—from vibrant Sauvignon Blancs and Pinot Noirs to bold Cabernet Sauvignon and Zinfandel—crafted to be both approachable and memorable. Each bottle tells the story of our vineyards, our team, and the legacy that continues to guide us forward.
When you visit Hook & Ladder, you’ll find a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere where great wine meets genuine connection. Our winery is family-friendly and pet-friendly, making it an easy place to gather, unwind, and spend time together. Whether you’re enjoying a tasting with friends, listening to live music, or simply taking in the property, our goal is simple: create an experience that feels easy, authentic, and worth coming back to.
Experience Snapshot
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Upcoming Events
✦ Special EventWine Club: Summer Release Party
Celebrate the summer wine release with fresh, hot pizza from the wood-fired oven and live music by Edú Bega. Taste the new vintage, connect with fellow club members, and enjoy performances on the winery stage. Free for Wine Club Members — reservations required. Non-members can join the Wine Club to attend.
June 13, 2026 · 12:00 PM
Complimentary
✦ Special EventSonoma County Pride
An inclusive celebration at Hook & Ladder Winery featuring sangria and fresh pizza from the outdoor wood-fired oven. Lawn seating, all ages welcome. Chill Red wine available by the glass or bottle. Bring blankets and enjoy an evening of community and good vibes.
June 20, 2026 · 5:00 PM
Complimentary
✦ Special EventNo Cell Sundays: Callie Watts & Kris Dilbeck
Disconnect from your devices and reconnect with great wine, live music, and the people around you. Featuring Northern California pop singer-songwriter Callie Watts, a multi-instrumentalist vocalist with influences from the '60s and '70s. Guests who check their phones at the door receive a complimentary tasting.
June 21, 2026 · 12:30 PM
Complimentary
✦ Special EventH&L Live: Dan Martin & The Noma Rocksteady Band
North Bay's favorite Reggae, Rocksteady & Ska band Dan Martin & the Noma Rocksteady Band take the H&L stage! Free admission, fresh wood-fired pizza paired with our new Chill Red, lawn seating (bring blankets), all ages welcome. Wine by the glass or bottle available.
June 27, 2026 · 1:00 PM
Complimentary
✦ Special EventNo Cell Sundays: Marcus & Devin
Disconnect from your devices and reconnect with great wine, live music, and the people around you. Featuring pianist Marcus Urani (25+ years experience) and vocalist Devin Ruddick, performing covers spanning seven decades of meaningful artists. Guests who check their phones at the door receive a complimentary tasting. Bring blankets!
June 28, 2026 · 12:30 PM
Complimentary
✦ Special EventNo Cell Sundays: Ken Dewitt
Disconnect from your devices and reconnect with great wine, live music, and the people around you. Featuring "Sir Uke," a North Bay ukulele musician performing soothing covers. Guests who check their phones at the door receive a complimentary tasting. Bring blankets!
July 5, 2026 · 12:30 PM
Complimentary
✦ Special EventH&L Live: The Easy Way
3:28 PMClaude responded: North Bay funk outfit The Easy Way bring the good-time grooves to the H&L stage!North Bay funk outfit The Easy Way bring the good-time grooves to the H&L stage! Free admission, fresh wood-fired pizza paired with our new Chill Red, lawn seating (bring blankets), all ages welcome. Wine by the glass or bottle available.
July 11, 2026 · 1:00 PM
Complimentary
✦ Special EventNo Cell Sundays: P-Butta
Disconnect from your devices and reconnect with great wine, live music, and the people around you. Featuring P-Butta, an instrumental trio (Marcus Urani on keys, Ryan Newman on bass, Paul Spina on drums) from the band Rising Tide, playing funk, soul, and jazz covers. Check your phone at the door for a complimentary tasting.
July 12, 2026 · 12:30 PM
Complimentary
✦ Special EventWhy We Live Here Music & Arts Fest
The 3rd annual festival featuring live music, local vendors, wood-fired pizza, wine, friends, and fun among the vineyard grounds. Four acts perform: Benjamin Andrews & The Success Ensemble, Anna Ash, Jason Beard's Bring Joy, and Oona & The Good Band. Food truck and local vendors on-site.
July 18, 2026 · 12:30 PM
$30/person
✦ Special EventH&L Live: Burrows & Dilbeck
An evening featuring Spencer Burrows and Kris Dilbeck — the duo behind legendary funk-rock band Frobeck, collaborators with WAR, Los Lonely Boys, and Bootsy Collins. World-class musicians, golden hour timing, and the Russian River Valley as your backdrop. Fresh wood-fired pizza paired with our new Chill Red. All ages welcome, bring blankets.
August 8, 2026 · 4:00 PM
Complimentary
✦ Special EventNo Cell Sundays: Stella & Ian
Disconnect from your devices and reconnect with great wine, live music, and the people around you. Featuring vocalist Stella Heath and guitarist Ian Scherer performing classic jazz standards and contemporary pieces. "With just voice and guitar, they create a richly textured and intimate musical experience." Check your phone at the door for a complimentary tasting. Bring blankets.
August 23, 2026 · 12:30 PM
Complimentary
Winery Experiences
The Captain Flight — Club Members
Available Friday–Sunday by reservation. Wine Club members enjoy The Captain Flight complimentary for up to 4 total guests. Experience the most exclusive wines in an intimate, guided tasting.
The Cadet Tasting
Walk-ins welcome, no reservation required. Enjoy a selection of Hook & Ladder's estate wines in our relaxed tasting barn, surrounded by fire station memorabilia and the spirit of Russian River Valley.
$15
The Captain Flight
Available Friday–Sunday by reservation. A tableside experience featuring five carefully curated small-production wines, led by a knowledgeable guide through Hook & Ladder's most acclaimed wines.
$25







