Mapping the Disney Family of Wines in Northern California

Most people think of Southern California as the mecca of all things Disney, but Northern California has it’s share as well. There may not be any big amusement parks, but we do have Disney wine! Yes, you may not have known that there are many wineries in Northern California associated with the Disney family….

The next time you find yourself in wine country, you can wander off to visit one of these wineries and partake in a bit of indirect Disney magic from the vineyards:

Varietals: Pinot Noir, Rosé

Unfortunately there is no tasting room associated with Skywalker Vineyards and no public access to visit the area. However, all of the wine is available online to be shipped to customers in California, Nevada, Texas, New York, Florida & Illinois.

Varietals:  Bordeaux Blend, Grenache, Malbec, Mourvedre/Mataro, Rosé, Syrah, Zinfandel

John Lasseter (Chief Creative Officer of Pixar, Walt Disney Animation Studios & DisneyToon Studios; Principal Creative Advisor, Walt Disney Imagineering) actually lives in Glen Ellen and the Winery is actually a family business.

Visitors are welcome by appointment only for wine & food pairings from 10am-5pm, 6 days a week. Call (707) 933-2814 for reservations or make an appointment via CellarPass.

Varietals: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay & Sangiovese

Walt Disney’s daughter, Diane Disney Miller, started Silverado Vineyards in 1981.

Open 10am to 5pm daily for tastings, tours are offered twice daily with reservations.

Varietals: Petite Sirah, Merlot, Chardonnay, Cabernet Franc, Zinfindel, Chenin Blanc, Pinor Noir.

Run by the sister (Molly Chappellet) of Frank G. Wells, President of the Walt Disney Company from 1984 until his death in 1994.

Open by appointment only 7 days a week at  (707) 286-4219.

Varietals: Bordeaux Blend, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Dessert Wine, Late Harvest, Petite Sirah, Pinot Noir, Port Wine, Sangiovese, Sparkling Wine, Zinfandel

Owner Richard H. Frank was the chairman of Walt Disney Television (‘94-95) and President of The Walt Disney Studios (‘85-94).

Open daily from 10am-5pm, but guarantee tasting via CellarPass.

Varietals: Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris, Chardonnay

Fred MacMurray was the first “Disney Legend” to be recognized by the company in 1987, as he appeared in 7 popular live-action Disney films: The Shaggy Dog, The Absent-Minded Professor, Son of Flubber, Bon Voyage, Follow Me Boys, The Happiest Millionaire and Charley and the Angel. MacMurray purchased the ranch in 1941 and raised cattle before it evolved into a vineyard in the 1990s thanks to his daughter, Kate.

There are no tastings at the vineyard itself, but you can visit by joining the wine club or attending the “Taste of Sonoma” event each Labor Day weekend.