Diane Wilson
Diane first started winemaking in 1994, learning the art by hands-on training in Dry Creek Valley, and since then,has shot to the forefront of the Sonoma County wine industry by winning unprecedented back-to-back Sonoma County Harvest Fair Sweepstakes in 2005 and 2006, and then again in 2011. January, 2013 brought her another Sweepstakes winner at the San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition for her Petite Sirah and in October 2015 at the Sonoma County Harvest Fair for her Pinot Noir, showing that Zinfandel isn’t the only varietal getting top ratings. Honored as Woman Winemaker of the Year in 2008, 2011 and 2018 at the International Women’s Winemaker Competition, Diane has a strong track record as an outstanding winemaker, capturing dozens of 90+ scores and hundreds of Gold Medals for her Zinfandels, Bordeaux varietals, and Pinot Noirs at Wilson, deLorimier and Matrix Wineries. Diane was recognized as Best All Around Winery at the 2016 Houston International Wine Competition & Rodeo.
As a winemaker, Diane spends time honing her craft, learning from other esteemed winemakers, and researching methods to keep her au courant with the newest cellaring and winemaking practices. Our vineyard locations range from the loamy valley floor of the Dry Creek Valley to the more rugged and remote hilltop elevations around 2400 feet. Diane and Ken have named their vineyards after family members based on the characteristics of each vineyard. Each harvest brings something new for the small-lot, single-vineyard designate winemaker at Wilson Winery.
Known in the area for her amazing Zinfandels, Diane Wilson has branched out into different varietals for the new boutique wineries that she and husband Ken have purchased in the past several years. More than a home for Wilson wines, Wilson Winery is the homestead for their growing family of wineries they nurture and are proud to call Wilson Artisan Wines. Besides Wilson, deLorimier and Matrix Wineries, also included in their portfolio are Mazzocco Sonoma, Pezzi King, Soda Rock, St. Anne's, Jaxon Keys, Greenwood Ridge and & Rockpile Vineyards.
Local to the North Bay, Diane is an avid runner, and accompanied by companion Molly, her Border Collie, she runs the local trails and paths of beauty in Sonoma County. She enjoys her garden, using what she grows for her savory family meals. Diane loves to discover how food flavors pair with wine, and is often found assessing flavors for varietal pairings, or creating recipes to serve at winery events. Diane is the mother of three adult children who are involved in the family business at Wilson Artisan Wines.
One thing is for sure; Diane will continue to add to her ever-growing wine accolades portfolio and produce some of the best wines coming out of Sonoma County, California.