About Hook & Ladder Winery
Hook & Ladder Winery is on Olivet Road west of Santa Rosa, in the Russian River Valley among some of the area's oldest vines. The name and the decor come from founder Cecil De Loach's earlier career as a San Francisco firefighter: the tasting barn is filled with fire station memorabilia. The winery describes itself as carrying on the work of one of the Russian River Valley's founding wine families, and it keeps a relaxed, family feel.
The list is broad. Pours include single-vineyard and appellation Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Old Vine Zinfandel, Gewürztraminer, a rosé of Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot and red blends, plus sparkling wine and wine in cans. The Cadet Tasting of estate wines is $15 and needs no reservation. On Friday through Sunday, the Captain Flight ($25) takes you through five small-production wines with a guide, by reservation. Fees do not count toward wine purchases.
The tasting room posts hours of 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. with the last tasting at 4 p.m., and walk-ins are welcome. Picnics are allowed, so bring lunch and pack out your trash. If children or guests who are not tasting are coming along, the winery asks you to say so when you book. They also host winery events, private parties and virtual tastings.
Starr Creek Lavender is in Windsor, about 15 minutes north on Highway 101. Check its website for open days, then stop at Hook & Ladder on the way back through Santa Rosa.
What to do
- Taste estate wines on the $15 Cadet Tasting, no reservation needed
- Book the guided five-wine Captain Flight, Friday through Sunday
- Look over the fire station memorabilia in the tasting barn
- Bring a picnic lunch
- Try Russian River Valley Pinot Noir, Old Vine Zinfandel or Gewürztraminer
Season, hours and prices
- Season
- Tasting room open year-round; guided flights Friday through Sunday
- Hours
- Posted on their website (2026): 11 a.m.–5 p.m., last tasting at 4 p.m.
- Admission
- Cadet Tasting $15; Captain Flight $25 (as posted on their website, October 2026)
Good to know
- Age
- 21 or older to taste or drink alcohol
- Reservations
- Walk-in
Tips for your visit
- Their pages list both daily and Wednesday–Monday hours, so call ahead on a Tuesday
- Give 24 hours' notice to cancel a reservation or the fee is kept
- Let them know in advance if children or non-tasting guests are in your group
- Plan a designated driver before you head out
Pair it with a lavender farm
Starr Creek Lavender · about 15 minutes away
Starr Creek Lavender is in Windsor about 15 minutes north, so check its open days and stop at Hook & Ladder on the way back through Santa Rosa.
Getting there
Questions
Do I need a reservation at Hook & Ladder?
Not for the $15 Cadet Tasting; walk-ins are welcome. The Captain Flight is by reservation Friday through Sunday.
Can I bring a picnic?
Yes. Picnics are allowed; the winery asks guests to be mindful of trash.
Why the fire theme?
Founder Cecil De Loach was a San Francisco firefighter, and the tasting barn is decorated with fire station memorabilia.
🗺️ Part of the guide Things to Do Near the Lavender Farms of Santa Rosa & Northern Sonoma County, California
Checked in October 2026 against the business’s own website and local tourism pages. Hours and seasons change, so check with them before you go. How we check listings · Is this your business? Claim it free
