Scribe: Hipster Winery Revived in 19th-Century Warmth

Scribe has emerged as one of Sonoma's hippest wineries. For those unfamiliar with Sonoma Valley, it stands as one of America's premier wine regions, particularly beloved by Pinot Noir enthusiasts. The region's Pinot Noirs and Chardonnays are so exceptional they're frequently served at White House state dinners. The Sonoma wine region encompasses a vast expanse of diverse terroir, significantly larger than neighboring Napa Valley, with hundreds of wineries dotting its rolling landscapes - from small family operations to renowned estates.

© Leo Patrone/ Scribe Winery

Sonoma's charm lies in its pastoral tranquility. Unlike the high-end modern designs often found elsewhere, the wineries here offer a rustic escape - perfect for city dwellers seeking refuge in nature. Located just an hour from San Francisco, the valley buzzes with Bay Area locals every weekend. During the peak season from summer through fall, it transforms into a vibrant destination for wine enthusiasts from around the globe. Among these vineyards stands Scribe Winery.

 

© Stephanie Rudy/ Scribe Winery

The winery is owned by the Mariani Brothers, fourth-generation farmers who embarked on their winemaking journey by acquiring one of California's oldest vineyards - the historic Rhinefarm in Sonoma Carneros Valley. At its heart stood an 1850s Spanish-style building, once a significant landowner's residence that had fallen into disrepair over two decades. When the Marianis took over in 2007, they initially focused on establishing the winery, leaving the dilapidated structure as-is - though it proved perfect for intimate gatherings with family and friends. Eventually, they decided to breathe new life into the historic building.

 

The renovation project, led by Aidline Darling Design, focused on preserving the building's time-worn character rather than modernizing it. Working with the Mariani brothers' appreciation for imperfect beauty and the building's historical layers, the designers carefully revealed and restored original elements while making only necessary modern additions. This meticulous process took five years to complete.

 

"Our goal was to preserve the patina," - Andrew Mariani, Scribe's co-owner.

 

The central hall's distinctive cedar woodwork was preserved, along with original flooring and wall finishes where possible. Paint and wallpaper were removed only to reveal hidden historical layers beneath. Where old paint existed, matching pastoral colors were applied; where vintage wallpaper once hung, small sections were preserved as memories while leaving other areas purposefully exposed. Even old furniture marks, nail holes, and worn window frame patterns became part of the building's unique character. This thoughtful preservation earned Aidline Darling Design recognition at the 2019 San Francisco Design Week Awards.   

 

                                             

The restored building, known as Hacienda, serves as Scribe's tasting room and dining space. Since its restoration, it has become a sought-after destination for both Bay Area locals and international visitors, with its popular reservation-only tastings and seasonal food offerings. The menu features ingredients from their own garden, carefully paired with their wines. Within these spacious, comfortable walls, visitors share a unique experience of stepping back in time. 

 

Like shooting with a manual film camera—slower, but offering a deeper connection with its subject. Today, I feel compelled to take out my film camera and slowly capture the world around me. The Mariani brothers' communion with their 19th-century building must be contagious.

 

-Written and Photographed by JODE Team | Front Image by Leo Patrone | In cooperation with Scribe Winery | 2019 and 2025