Discover Sol Rei: A Charming New Gem in Sonoma Plaza’s Wine Scene

Is your wine enjoyment hampered by allergies? Sol Rei Wine, located in a quaint courtyard near Sonoma Plaza, aims to change that. This winery specializes in low-histamine wines and avoids adding sulfites, making it a potential haven for those sensitive to these common wine components.

The story begins with Katherine Kitzmiller, who, after retiring from the tech industry, envisioned buying a vineyard as a hobby. However, she developed a sensitivity to wine which initially seemed to derail her plans. Instead of giving up, Kitzmiller took action by sending wine samples to a lab for analysis. It became clear that histamines and sulfites were causing her discomfort, leading her to reconsider her aspirations.

At 63, instead of retiring, Kitzmiller launched a winery focusing on low-histamine wines without added sulfites. She enlisted the help of experienced winemakers Greg and Kyle Stokes, and Marco Cappelli. To minimize histamines during production, the team emphasizes meticulous vineyard hygiene, ensuring that damaged grapes—which can harbor histamine-producing microbes—are excluded. While the wines do naturally contain sulfites, no extra sulfites are introduced during their creation.

Named "Sol Rei," meaning "sun king" in Portuguese, the winery debuted with its 2023 vintage. It sources sustainably and organically grown grapes from various areas, including Sonoma County and the Sierra Foothills.

The winery produces 1,000 cases annually, offering a selection that includes Sauvignon Blanc, Syrah, Zinfandel, a red blend, and a sparkling Blanc de Blancs.

Sol Rei’s tasting room, which opened in December 2025, offers a warm and inviting ambiance adorned with soft greens and earth tones. The space is compact yet stylishly furnished with comfortable seating.

Visitors can explore three tasting flights, priced between $35 and $55, some of which come paired with focaccia and olive oil. The wines are also available by the glass. Importantly, for those curious about the chemistry of their wines, Sol Rei claims to be the only tasting room in California staffed with a wine science educator ready to answer any questions.

Wines made without additional sulfites should ideally be consumed young due to their shorter shelf life. Sol Rei’s offerings include the 2024 Private Reserve Red, which is a blend of Mencía and Petite Sirah, and has a fruity yet balanced profile. The Sierra Foothills’ 2023 Syrah showcases dark fruit with savory nuances, while sparkling wine enthusiasts will appreciate the Organic Blanc de Blanc, crafted in a subtle, off-dry style.

For a delightful combination of local wines and a unique experience, there’s the upcoming Summer Bar(n) Crawl on June 6 at Charlie’s Acres Farm Animal Sanctuary, offering tastings and a plant-based picnic.

Details: Sol Rei Wine, 25 E. Napa St., Suite E, Sonoma. Open daily from 11 AM to 5 PM, except Tuesdays. For more information, visit solreiwine.com.

About the Author: Chris Lehoux

Meet Chris Lehoux, an experienced wine connoisseur and dedicated blogger with a deep passion for all things wine-related. With years of expertise in the industry, Chris shares insightful wine reviews, valuable wine tasting tips, expert pairing advice, and captivating tales of vineyard visits. Join Chris on a journey through the world of wine, where every sip is an adventure waiting to be savored!