The City of Sonoma will lower the flags on City Properties to half-staff for 48 hours beginning Friday, October 10, 2025, in memory of Samuel Joseph (Sam) Sebastiani, who passed away on October 9, 2025, at the age of 84.
Born in Sonoma on November 19, 1940, Sam attended St. Francis Solano School and went on to earn degrees from Santa Clara University before serving as a Second Lieutenant in the U.S. Army. He returned home to continue his family’s winemaking tradition, becoming President of Sebastiani Vineyards—the state’s oldest continuously operating winery—and later founding Viansa Winery & Italian Marketplace, which paired his love of wine with environmental stewardship through the restoration of surrounding wetlands.
In addition to his achievements in wine, Sam taught at Sonoma State University, served as President of the Sonoma Volunteer Fire Department, and owned and maintained the Sebastiani Theatre, helping it remain a cornerstone of downtown life. He was named Sonoma’s Hero of the Year in 1986 for his lasting service to the community.
The City extends its sincere condolences to the Sebastiani family and joins the community in honoring and remembering Sam Sebastiani’s enduring impact on Sonoma’s cultural, environmental, and winemaking heritage.
Photo of Sam Sebastiani, courtesy of the Sebastiani family.