A New Movement is Taking Shape in California Wine
The Micro-Winery Guild is an organization created to protect, elevate, and economically strengthen independent, family-run micro-wineries. Founded in 2018 as Save the Family Farms, our mission has evolved to establish a new standard where small-scale production, authentic hospitality, and vineyard-based experiences define the future of California wine.
The Micro-Winery Guild
The Micro-Winery Guild (MWG) is a collective of micro-producers who represent the heart and soul of wine culture. They are farmers, storytellers, and caretakers of the land; protectors of traditions that cannot be replicated at scale. They embody the human side of wine, where agriculture and craft are inseparable.
At every Micro-Winery Guild member winery, the experience is personal and rooted in the people who farm the land and craft the wines. These are small, family-run businesses where guests connect directly with the source, gaining a deeper understanding of how each decision in the vineyard shapes what’s in the glass.
The Micro-Winery Guild exists to support and strengthen micro-wineries, giving them a clear place in the market and a unified voice. Through advocacy and collective visibility, we help micro-wineries grow sustainable businesses while connecting visitors to a more authentic side of California wine through the T.A.S.T.E. Experience.
The T.A.S.T.E. Verified Experience
At the heart of the MWG is the T.A.S.T.E. Verified Experience – a defined, peer-reviewed standard representing the highest expression of what makes family-run micro-wineries exceptional. Every experience is carefully curated, while emphasizing education, stewardship, and sensory understanding. It offers a depth of story and authenticity that stands apart from the standard tasting room models.
Terroir
Vineyard-driven experience rooted in place
Artisan
Led by the people who make the wine themselves
Small-scale
Intentionally limited to maximize quality
Trust
No script, no upsell, no spectacle
Engagement
Engage-ment
Real conversations and connection
Upcoming T.A.S.T.E Verified Events
Events
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Crux Winery – Grenache 5 Ways
RSVP for Vineyard Location WindsorOur newest experience focused around Grenache. Taste four Grenache wines – our Grenache, Grenache Blanc, Rosé, and GSM – and walk one of our Grenache vineyard with us to see […]
$50 -
In the Vines: Berry Sampling
Elkhorn Peak Cellars 200 Polson Rd, Napa, CA, United StatesBy August, most of the farming is behind us, and now it’s all about attention, presence, and observation. In this hands-on event, you’ll join us in berry sampling the vineyard: […]
$75 -
Grape Sampling and Rope Swinging in Sonoma!
van der Kamp Vineyard 6360 Sonoma Mountain Rd, Santa RosaJoin us for a rare opportunity to have an immersive vineyard tasting experience with the winemaker and grape grower in the vines atop Sonoma Mountain. You’ll learn the ins and […]
$50 -
VIP Vineyard Experience
Schweiger Vineyards 4015 Spring Mountain Road, Saint Helena, CA, United StatesExplore the top of Spring Mountain through the incredible slopes of Schweiger Estate. During this one-of-a-kind experience, Winemaker/Grapegrower Andy Schweiger will explain what goes into growing the best quality grapes […]
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VIP Vineyard Experience
Schweiger Vineyards 4015 Spring Mountain Road, Saint Helena, CA, United StatesExplore the top of Spring Mountain through the incredible slopes of Schweiger Estate. During this one-of-a-kind experience, Winemaker/Grapegrower Andy Schweiger will explain what goes into growing the best quality grapes […]
Why Choose a T.A.S.T.E. Experience?
Meet the People Behind the Bottles
All T.A.S.T.E. producers are hands-on. If they’re not pouring your wine, they’re likely out in the vineyard or cellar making it.
Experiences Rooted in Agriculture
Enjoy the opportunity to dig deep – learning how farming decisions shape wines directly from the winemaker or grape grower.
Wine With a Sense of Place
These are the epitome of ‘hidden gems’ – discover ultra-small batch wines that are rarely found in shops or restaurants.
Your Dollars Stay With Families
T.A.S.T.E. producers are small businesses, fully family-owned, with no corporate backing or investments.
Scarcity That’s Real
Independent family-run micro-wineries work to create relationships that go beyond the first visit.
A New Path for Vineyard Experiences
California enacted Assembly Bill 720 in 2026, opening the door for small producers to host educational tasting experiences in the vineyard, directly where wine is grown.
The Micro-Winery Guild (formally Save the Family Farms) has long advocated for policies that recognize the unique scale and agricultural nature of micro-wineries. AB 720 represents an important step towards making authentic vineyard experiences possible.
Founded by Micro-Wineries.
Built for Micro-Wineries.
The Micro-Winery Guild is the only wine industry organization created by small producers, for small producers. Our mission is to protect, elevate, and economically strengthen independent, family-run micro-wineries.
Members benefit from clear market differentiation, collective marketing, earned credibility, and participation in the T.A.S.T.E. Experience designation, while visitors enjoy an authentic tasting experience unlike any other.