Samuel “Sam” Sebastiani, a leading figure in one of California’s most storied – and sometimes feuding – wine families, died Thursday at his home in Sonoma following a long battle with Parkinson’s disease. He was 84.

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The grandson of Samuele Sebastiani, an Italian immigrant who founded Sonoma’s Sebastiani Vineyards in 1904, Sebastiani worked for the family business for nearly two decades before establishing Viansa Winery in 1990. He also was an avid conservationist, restoring close to 100 acres of wetlands at Viansa and receiving awards for his efforts.

“People often saw my dad as this larger-than-life character who was very passionate about the wine industry and his community,” said Christopher Sebastiani, Sam’s son. “But lesser known was his tender care for animals and enthusiasm for the natural world and conservation. That’s something that resonated with me personally, and I try to carry it forward.”

Sam Sebastiani and his wife, Robin, photographed at their Sonoma home in 2014. Sam Sebastiani died Oct. 9, 2025. He was 84. (Chris Hardy / For Sonoma Magazine) 

Sebastiani Vineyards was among the few Sonoma County wineries to survive Prohibition, sustaining operations by producing wine for sacramental and medicinal purposes.

After Samuele’s death in 1944, his son, August, and August’s wife, Sylvia, significantly expanded the company, transforming it from a bulk wine operation into one of the country’s leading producers of moderately priced, varietal wines.

Sam joined the family business in 1967 and, following August’s death in 1980, succeeded his father as president of the company. Over the next five years, he shifted the focus of the company from low-priced wines to more premium varietals.

However, in 1986, Sylvia, who retained majority ownership, and her two other children, Don and Mary Ann, decided to oust Sam as president, citing financial disagreements. Sylvia named Don, then a state assemblyman (R-Sonoma), as chairman and chief executive of the company.

Undeterred, Sam – an Eagle Scout, former student body president at Santa Clara University and former Second Lieutenant in the U.S. Army – embarked on a new venture. In 1990, he co-founded the 175-acre Viansa Winery in Sonoma with his second wife, Vicki, who oversaw its lively Italian marketplace. The Tuscan-inspired estate, now owned by Adair Family Wines, became a popular Wine Country destination.

Sam Sebastiani, left, and Christopher Sebastiani at Cherry Block vineyard. (James Joiner) 

In 2001, Don Sebastiani sold a portion of Sebastiani Vineyards to Constellation Brands, including the 8-million-case wine production facility, Turner Road Vintners. He went on to launch Don Sebastiani and Sons (Don & Sons), a Napa-based wine company now led by his son, Donny. Mary Ann (Sebastiani) Cuneo continued to oversee Sebastiani Vineyards until 2008, when she sold the business to Bill Foley.

In 2005, Sam Sebastiani sold Viansa to the Napa-based 360 Global Wine Company for $31 million. The company was acquired by Vintage Wine Estates in 2013 and later sold to Adair Family Winery in 2024.

Passion for conservation, Italian heritage

Throughout his life, Sebastiani remained deeply connected to his Italian heritage, launching the Tuscan-inspired wine brand, La Chertosa, in 2007. For his dedication, he was knighted into the Order of Merit by the Italian Republic – the most prestigious civilian distinction.

Sebastiani was also a dedicated waterfowl conservationist, a passion passed down from his father. At Viansa, he built a 97-acre wetland preserve, earning him the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s “Private Conservationist of the Year.”

Sebastiani is survived by his wife of 22 years, Robin Sebastiani; seven children; step-children; his sister, Mary Ann; and his brother, Don. He was preceded in death by his son, Sam, who died in 1997.

The flag at Sonoma City Hall will remain at half-staff through Saturday in Sebastiani’s honor. Memorial service details will be forthcoming.