Learn more about our women winemakers and discover recipes to pair with your favorite bottle of SIMI.
ISABELLE SIMI
FOUNDER
Founded in 1876, SIMI derives its rich, unique history from Isabelle Simi, who took over in 1904 at just 18 years old. She steered the winery with defiant determination for over 70 years, through trial and tribulation, persevering to better every last drop.
MELISSA STACKHOUSE
DIRECTOR OF WINEMAKING
Melissa is curious by nature and for her, winemaking is the perfect combination of her love for the outdoors, agriculture, and science. At SIMI, she has embraced the opportunity to blend, balance, and showcase the best fruit from Sonoma County.
LISA EVICH
WINEMAKER
As senior winemaker, Lisa applies meticulous care and attention in both the vineyards and the winery: she works to maintain the timelessness of both SIMI and Sonoma County. For Lisa, being in the vineyards and translating a place into a bottle is a calling.
LEARN MORE ABOUT SIMI WINES
Join SIMI Director of Winemaking, Melissa Stackhouse, as she takes you through a tasting of four of our Sonoma County wines - Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, and Pinot Noir.
Meet our Senior Winemaker, Lisa Evich, and discover the inspiration behind our Editor's Collection Rosé and why it's her favorite wine to make!
Giuseppe Simi left the Tuscan hills in Montepulciano, Italy to find his fortune in the gold fields of California.
1876
Giuseppe and brother Pietro produced their first wines under the Simi name.
1890
The first harvest in Simi's stone cellars at the present day winery on Healdsburg Avenue
1904
The winery expanded its stone cellars. Tragically, later that year both Simi brothers died suddenly. Giuseppe's daughter Isabelle took over management at the age of 18.
1920
Prohibition began. Isabelle sold all vineyard holdings to keep possession of cellars, anticipating a quick repeal of the Volstead Act.
1933
Prohibition was repealed in December. Thanks to Isabelle, SIMI was immediately prepared to sell 500,000 gallons of perfectly cellared wines to the thirsty public.
1934
Isabelle established SIMI's first retail outlet, a tasting room fashioned from a 25,000 gallon cask installed in front of the winery's stone cellars.
1970
Isabelle Simi retired, selling the winery to Alexander Valley grape grower, Russell Green.
1974
SIMI used the Alexander Valley appellation on its labels for the first time.
1979
Zelma Long, considered another female pioneer in California Wine, joined us as president, directing a major renovation of our fermentation and barrel rooms.
1984
We acquired Landslide Vineyard in southern Alexander Valley to enhance and expand our Cabernet Sauvignon program.
1989
We purchased 100 acres in the Russian River Valley and began the development of Goldfields Vineyard, planting Chardonnay field selections and clones.
1990
We celebrated 100 years of wine making in the stone cellars, building a new hospitality center to replace the old tasting room.
2008
Thanks to its eco-friendly practices and dedication to sustainability, SIMI becomes officially green certified.
2011
SIMI introduces a designated outdoor space for tastings, dining and entertainment.
2020
We mark a new era for SIMI, focusing on the celebration of pioneers like Isabelle Simi whose passion and determination make goodness from grit.