Dwelley Family Wines officially opened its tasting room May 1. The family-owned winery is operated by Jackson Dwelley alongside his parents, Jeff and Staci Dwelley, sister Madison Dwelley-Pigozzo and brother-in-law Will Pigozzo. Photo by Nicolas Brown

DIXON, CA (MPG) - A family conversation around a backyard fire pit has grown into a new winery in Dixon, where Dwelley Family Wines officially opened its tasting room May 1 at 800 Business Park Drive, Suite G.

Founded in 2023, the family-owned winery is operated by Jackson Dwelley alongside his parents, Jeff and Staci Dwelley, sister Madison Dwelley-Pigozzo and brother-in-law Will Pigozzo. The business specializes in small lot wines sourced from vineyards across Northern California.

The idea for the winery began several years ago after Jackson Dwelley started making wine while working in Escondido in Southern California.

“He started making wine in Escondido, and they allowed him to make his own wine,” said Jeff Dwelley.

Staci Dwelley said the family first realized the concept could become a business while sharing a bottle of wine at home.

“We labeled it Jackson’s Blend 2020,” she said. “We were literally sitting around a fire pit drinking it and came to the conclusion, ‘Why don’t we make our own wine?’”

Jackson Dwelley said that conversation took place in 2021, although the winery itself has been “running on five years” of preparation and planning.

The tasting room opened after months of construction and setup, with the family aiming to create a relaxed and approachable environment for visitors.

“Very family friendly, dog friendly and family oriented,” said Staci Dwelley.

Jeff Dwelley said the business operates as a true family effort.

“Everyone pitches in,” he said. “There’s a lot that goes into it when you’re putting your name on a bottle and putting out a product.”

Jackson Dwelley, who earned a Master Professional Certificate in Winemaking through the University of California, Davis Enology and Viticulture Program and holds a WSET Level 3 certification, said he hopes guests enjoy both the atmosphere and the wines.

“We want to be approachable, fun and relaxed, but also offer great wine,” he said.

The winery sources grapes from several Northern California regions, including the Sonoma Coast and Russian River Valley. Jackson Dwelley said he enjoys working with fruit from different growing regions to create unique wines.

“It’s really fun to source all over and grab stuff that does well in certain areas,” he said.

Among the winery’s current offerings, Dwelley highlighted the 2023 Cabernet Franc as the winery’s flagship wine.

“It’s my favorite to drink, make and share with customers,” he said. “Our inaugural 2023 Cabernet Franc won a gold medal and is considered a hidden gem by wine enthusiasts.”

Dwelley Family Wines focuses on producing small lot wines with limited intervention during the winemaking process.

“Very small lot quantities,” said Jackson Dwelley. “We will not compromise quantity for quality. I would not put something in a bottle I wouldn’t drink.”

Staci Dwelley described that philosophy as the winery’s trademark.

The family said community support has been strong since opening day.

“My favorite was watching the people’s reaction to drinking the wine,” said Jackson Dwelley. “The surprise they had, the positive reaction was the best.”

Staci Dwelley said feedback from early visitors has been overwhelmingly positive.

“Customers have enjoyed coming to a place and having a glass of wine in a relaxed atmosphere,” she said.

The winery has also launched three wine club membership options, including the Family Club, Founders Club and Friends Club. Each offers discounts, early access to releases and invitations to private pickup events.

The business plans to participate in upcoming community events, including the Art & Wine Stroll Aug. 22, while also hosting private gatherings at the tasting room.

“We’re happy to be part of the community,” said Staci Dwelley.

Jeff Dwelley encouraged residents interested in hosting events to contact the winery directly.

Both Jackson and Staci Dwelley emphasized the business’s ties to Dixon and its local roots.

“From the top down, we’re family operated,” Jackson Dwelley said.

“From the community, for the community,” said Staci Dwelley.

For more information, visit dwelleyfamilywines.com or call 707-903-0831.