Specialty farming in Carneros is a Sangiacomo family tradition dating back to 1927. Beginning with plantings of apples and pears, the family business focused on fruit trees until the first grapes were planted in 1969. The conversion from orchards to vineyards began in the late '70s and today the Sangiacomos are one of the largest viticulturalists in the Carneros region, managing approximately 1,340 acres of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Merlot, and Cabernet Sauvignon.

The cornerstone of the Sangiacomo philosophy is to offer a maximum of both quality and service. Over the years they have come to understand and adapt the special growing conditions of the Carneros viticultural region. The very factors which combine to make Carneros famous for superior grapes - cool climate, low yields, and dense, shallow soils - also make the grapegrower's job more difficult. Through careful refinements of such viticultural techniques as vertical trellising, clonal selections, vine spacing, rootstock selection and leaf pulling, they have achieved a maximum of grape quality.
Over forty wineries purchase Sangiacomo grapes and numerous wineries, including Audubon, Cale, Carmenet, Chauffe-Eau, Gundlach-Bundschu, Ravenswood, Richardson, Solitude, Sonoma Creek, and Steele Wines feature wine labels carrying the Sangiacomo Vineyards designation.

The Sangiacomo family traces its roots back to Italy where parents Vittorio and Maria were born in rural villages near Genova. Vittorio immigrated to America in 1913 at the age of 17, while Maria crossed the ocean in 1916. They were married in 1928 and took up residence shortly thereafter at the Sonoma ranch. Their family continues the traditions, including the morning meetings over coffee and lunch at the original homestead.

Brothers Angelo, Bob, Buck and sister Lorraine Sangiacomo were initiated into the family business at a young age, having worked alongside their father in the fields, office and home. They, along with their families, share the responsibility for the daily operations of the ranch.

Angelo, Bob and Buck are graduates of the University of California at Davis. Angelo is active in the Carneros Quality Alliance, having served on the Board of Directors since its inception in 1985. Michael recently joined the family business, while Steven and Mia are presently preparing for careers in viticulture, thus ensuring the continuation of the Sangiacomo tradition.