A Rare Winery Transition in Sonoma County
In Sonoma County, where the California wine industry continues to face headwinds, one family-owned winery found a new path forward. Longtime vintners Bill and Betsy Nachbaur, founders of Acorn Winery in Healdsburg, had reached retirement age but weren’t sure if they’d be able to sell. Many small producers have been forced to shut their doors in recent years, as market pressures make it difficult for boutique wineries to find buyers.
Instead of closing, Acorn was acquired in a unique way—by a friend. Melissa Moholt-Siebert, owner of Ancient Oak Cellars, stepped in to purchase the Acorn brand while the Nachbaurs retained their estate vineyard, Alegría, where they continue to live. Under the agreement, Moholt-Siebert now makes Acorn wines using Alegría’s grapes, ensuring that the vineyard’s distinctive field blends carry on.
This type of transaction is unusual in California, where retiring vintners often sell to large corporate wine groups rather than to fellow small producers. For the Nachbaurs, the arrangement kept their legacy alive without parting with the property they’ve farmed since 1990. Over the years, Alegría Vineyard became known for its extraordinary diversity of 111 grape varieties, producing Acorn’s hallmark old-vine blends.
For Moholt-Siebert, the acquisition expands Ancient Oak’s portfolio while preserving an important piece of Sonoma County wine history. She began making Acorn wines in 2023 and has already introduced changes, including more use of native yeast fermentation and sourcing from other family-farmed vineyards. Her long-term plans also include developing a winery and tasting room in Fulton.
At a time when many small wineries are disappearing or consolidating, the Acorn story is a reminder that creative solutions—and trusted relationships—can ensure continuity in California’s wine industry. It highlights not only the value of vineyard real estate but also the importance of preserving family-run brands that shape regional identity.
Explore More Insights
