How far is the distillery from Louisville?

Neeley Family Distillery is about 45 minutes northeast of Louisville in Sparta, Kentucky. It's in Gallatin County, off the main Bourbon Trail routes, so plan for a bit of a drive through rural Kentucky.

What makes their bourbon different from larger distilleries?

The Neeleys grow some of their own corn right on the property and handle most of the production themselves as a family operation. You're tasting spirits made in small batches with direct family involvement from grain to bottle, rather than mass-produced bourbon.

CRAFT DISTILLERY

California

Sonoma Brothers Distilling

Windsor,

California

— Bourbon, Rye, Gin

TOURS AVAILABLE

TASTINGS

FAMILY FRIENDLY

BOTTLE SALES

DISTILLERY SNAPSHOT

📞 (707) 687-5149

🌐 http://sonomabrothersdistilling.com/

📍 7759 Bell Rd, Windsor, CA 95492, USA

ABOUT THIS DISTILLERY

Sonoma Brothers Distilling sits on Bell Road in Windsor, California, right in the heart of Sonoma County wine country. Founded by brothers Matt and Jason Jorgenson in 2014, this family operation started when the siblings decided to pivot from their tech careers to something more hands-on. Matt had been home-distilling as a hobby for years, and Jason brought business acumen from his marketing background. They converted a 6,000-square-foot industrial space into their distillery, complete with a custom-built 500-gallon copper still imported from Germany. The brothers focus primarily on bourbon, rye whiskey, and gin, using locally-sourced grains when possible and aging their whiskeys in new American oak barrels stored on-site. What started as weekend farmers market sales has grown into a full production facility that’s become a destination for spirits enthusiasts touring Northern California. The operation remains genuinely small-batch, with the brothers still involved in every aspect of production from mashing to bottling. Their tasting room opened to the public in 2016, offering visitors a chance to sample their spirits while watching the production process through large windows that separate the tasting area from the working distillery floor.

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WHAT SETS THEM APART

The Jorgenson brothers bring a tech industry precision to traditional distilling methods that sets them apart from other craft operations. They’ve developed proprietary fermentation tracking software that monitors temperature, pH levels, and alcohol content in real-time, allowing for incredibly consistent batches. Their location in wine country means they have access to high-quality French oak barrels previously used for aging Sonoma County wines, which they use for finishing some of their whiskey expressions. The brothers also source their base grains from a 150-year-old farm just 40 miles north in Mendocino County, creating a truly local product that reflects Northern California terroir. Unlike many craft distilleries that focus solely on whiskey, Sonoma Brothers has gained recognition for their gin, which incorporates botanicals foraged from the surrounding hills including bay laurel and wild fennel.

TOURS AVAILABLE

TASTINGS

FOOD AVAILABLE

COCKTAILS

RESERVATIONS

FAMILY FRIENDLY

BOTTLE SALES

THE VISITOR EXPERIENCE

You’ll walk into a bright, modern tasting room where the Jorgenson brothers or their small team personally guide tastings and explain their process. The space feels more like a tech startup than a traditional distillery, with clean lines and industrial design elements. Through floor-to-ceiling windows, you can watch the actual distillation process happening just feet away, and the brothers are happy to explain their monitoring systems and quality control methods. Tastings typically include four spirits with detailed explanations of how each was made, and you’ll often get to try experimental batches that aren’t available elsewhere. The atmosphere is relaxed and educational rather than pretentious, and you’ll leave understanding why these two former tech guys fell in love with distilling.

IS IT WORTH VISITING

This is perfect for spirits enthusiasts who appreciate the technical side of distilling and want to understand the science behind great whiskey and gin. If you’re touring Sonoma County and want a break from wine tasting, Sonoma Brothers offers something genuinely different without requiring deep whiskey knowledge to enjoy. The personal attention from the founders makes this feel special, though it’s not the place for large groups or party atmosphere. You won’t find elaborate tours or extensive food pairings, but you will get authentic insight into small-batch distilling from people who are passionate about their craft. The quality of their spirits, particularly their gin, makes this worth seeking out even if you’re not normally a whiskey drinker.

⚠️ VISITING TIPS

Call ahead or check their website before visiting since hours can vary during harvest season when they’re focused on production. The distillery is tucked into an industrial area that GPS sometimes struggles with, so look for the small sign on Bell Road near the railroad tracks. Weekends tend to be busier, but that’s also when you’re most likely to meet Matt and Jason personally. Ask about their experimental batches during your visit, as they often have unique expressions aging in different barrel types that aren’t part of the regular lineup. If you’re interested in the technical aspects, don’t hesitate to ask detailed questions about their process—they love talking shop with fellow spirits enthusiasts.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Sonoma Brothers Distilling — Visitor FAQ

Do I need to make a reservation for tastings?

Reservations aren’t required but are recommended, especially on weekends. You can call ahead or book through their website. Walk-ins are welcome when space allows, but calling first ensures you won’t be disappointed.

Can I meet the founders during my visit?

Matt and Jason Jorgenson are often on-site, especially on weekends, and enjoy meeting visitors personally. While they can’t guarantee they’ll be available during every visit, there’s a good chance you’ll get to chat with at least one of the brothers about their distilling journey.

What makes their gin different from other craft distilleries?

Their gin incorporates wild botanicals foraged from the surrounding Sonoma County hills, including bay laurel and wild fennel, which gives it a distinctly Northern California character. They also use a vapor-basket method during distillation that creates a more delicate botanical profile than traditional methods.

GETTING THERE

Find Sonoma Brothers Distilling

📍7759 Bell Rd, Windsor, CA 95492, USA

—

📞 (707) 687-5149

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