TASTING ROOM: THURSDAY - MONDAY 10:30AM - 4:30PM
la FAMIGLIA d'orsi
Mark Orsi, Sandra Orsi, and Bernie Orsi at Orsi Family Vineyards in Healdsburg, California.
BerNARD & Sandra Orsi, proprietors:
A Life Rooted in Family, Wine, and Community
For Bernie and Sandra Orsi, winemaking is more than a profession—it’s a reflection of their heritage, their passion, and their commitment to bringing people together. Their journey, however, didn’t start in the vineyards.
From Beer to Barrels: A Journey of Passion
A first-generation Italian-American, Bernard "Bernie" Orsi grew up in San Pedro, California, where wine was always part of the meal, but life initially took him in a different direction. After graduating from Saint Mary’s College of California in 1965, he began a career in public service, working in San Francisco’s Mayor’s Office, before moving into the beer industry, where he became a top executive at Pabst Blue Ribbon, Falstaff, and other major brands.
Saint Mary’s was life-changing in many ways—shaping Bernie’s career, values, and most importantly, introducing him to Sandra, the love of his life. A student at Dominican College in San Rafael, Sandra soon became his partner in life, family, and adventure. Married for over 50 years, they’ve raised four children and welcomed 13 grandchildren, building a legacy of love, tradition, and great wine along the way.
calling HEALDSBURG, california home
In 1990, looking for a place to plant roots, Bernie and Sandra purchased an old cattle ranch in Healdsburg. What started as a weekend retreat soon turned into something much bigger when Bernie planted his first vineyards.
Then came the 'ah-ha moment.'
“I had never traveled much outside the United States until I was 60 or so, and then I headed straight for Italy,” Bernie recalls. “I couldn’t believe how easy it was to enjoy a whole bottle of wine with dinner, get up, and take a stroll. At home, I’d have to go straight to bed! What was the difference? The grape? The style? It turned out to be both.”
Inspired by Italy’s food-friendly, lower-alcohol wines, Bernie started sourcing cuttings of Italian grape varietals and planting them on their estate. By 2012, their dream became reality with the launch of Orsi Family Vineyards, a winery dedicated to celebrating lesser-known Italian varietals that thrive in Sonoma’s Mediterranean climate.
Commitment to Giving Back
For Bernie and Sandra, wine is about more than just what’s in the glass—it’s about community, connection, and generosity. Bernie has always been passionate about education and philanthropy, dedicating his time and resources to organizations that make a difference. A longtime supporter of Lasallian education, he serves as Vice Chair of Annual Giving for the Lasallian Christian Brothers Foundation and previously chaired the Lasallian Education Fund. His love for Saint Mary’s College, his alma mater, led him to serve on the Board of Trustees, helping guide future generations. Additionally, as a trustee of the Kalmanovitz Charitable Foundation, Bernie continues to champion community-driven initiatives that support education and the greater good.
In 2024, Bernie expanded his commitment to giving back by founding Festa Italia di Healdsburg at Orsi Family Vineyards. This annual event celebrates Italian grape varieties in California while supporting Risorgimento, a nonprofit wine trade association. As a featured panelist, Bernie used his expertise to further education and awareness, reinforcing his dedication to preserving Italian winemaking traditions and strengthening the wine community.
A Legacy of Family & Wine
Today, Bernie and Sandra call their Healdsburg estate home, surrounded by the vineyards they’ve lovingly cultivated. Their winery, Orsi Family Vineyards, is a warm and welcoming space where guests can sip on unique Italian wines, share stories, and experience a little slice of Italy in Sonoma County.
Their philosophy is simple: great wine should be approachable, made for sharing, and deeply connected to the land and people who create it.
So whether you’re enjoying a glass of Biancolella—the crisp white wine Bernie first discovered in his mother’s birthplace of Ischia—or diving into a conversation over a spicy Schioppettino, one thing is certain: every bottle tells a story of family and tradition.
mark orsi: Second Generation vintner & general manager
After a 30-year career in financial markets in San Francisco, Mark Orsi followed his passion for wine and joined Orsi Family Vineyards, where he now serves as General Manager. As the second generation of the Orsi winemaking legacy, Mark brings a deep appreciation for Italian varietals and a hands-on approach to running the winery and tasting room. Every day presents new challenges, but for Mark, the reward is in seeing the fruits of his labor—both in the vineyards and in the connections made with guests.
Beyond the winery, Mark is deeply involved in the local wine community, currently serving as Co-President of the Board of Directors for the Winegrowers of Dry Creek Valley. A graduate of Santa Clara University, he and his wife, Saasha, have raised their four children in Marin County, where they still reside. With family, tradition, and community at the heart of everything he does, Mark is dedicated to ensuring Orsi Family Vineyards continues to thrive for generations to come.
William “Bill” Guadagni: Winemaker & Dry creek native
Born and raised in Dry Creek Valley, William “Bill” Guadagni is a fourth-generation farmer whose family has been tending the land here since 1898. With a degree in Enology from Fresno State, Bill’s winemaking journey took him across the globe, starting as a cellar hand in South Australia’s McLaren Vale, before honing his technical expertise in the lab at Martinelli Winery. There, he formed a pivotal mentorship with renowned consulting winemaker Erin Green, an experience that helped shape his winemaking philosophy.
In 2016, Bill became the winemaker for his family’s label, Guadagni Family Wines, while also working on consulting projects for Ehret Family Wines. By January 2023, he officially joined Orsi Family Vineyards as Winemaker, bringing his deep-rooted knowledge of Dry Creek Valley and a passion for crafting luscious Italian varietals. We knew Bill was the perfect fit—not just because of his talent, but because of his hard work, dedication, and genuine love for the region. He lives in Healdsburg with his wife and daughter, continuing the legacy of farming and winemaking that runs in his blood. We couldn’t be more excited to have him leading the charge in taking Orsi wines to the next level.