Our Dream Field Hits a Home Run

Thank You For Letting us Take You Out To the Ball Game

The crack of wooden bats, the rustle of period uniforms, and the cheers of nearly 500 spectators filled the air at Balletto Vineyards last Saturday. Our second annual Old Timey Base Ball Game in the Dream Field wasn't just a success—it was a testament to the power of creative thinking in wine country. The San Francisco Chronicle recently captured the magic of this unique event, highlighting how we're redefining wine tourism for a new generation.

What started as a simple request from our vineyard workers has blossomed into something extraordinary. More than two decades ago, our founder John Balletto made what he calls an economically questionable but emotionally invaluable decision: dedicating four precious acres to build a baseball field for his team. That field, nestled among our vines like a hidden gem, has become the stage for an event that's changing how people think about winery experiences.

The Chronicle's coverage emphasizes something we've long believed: wine tourism needs to evolve. With younger consumers proving difficult to attract and wine clubs across the industry struggling, our approach of combining vintage baseball with vineyard hospitality is striking gold. As John noted in the article, "Getting customers under 40 years old is very difficult. I think you need to be creative... The competition is very fierce out there for customers."

A Day That Brought History to Life

Saturday's doubleheader transported visitors back to 1886, complete with players sporting wonderfully quirky nicknames like Jumbo, Scribbles, and Bottles. The Bay Area Vintage Base Ball League brought their authentic recreation to our Dream Field, where teams played by historical rules with period-appropriate equipment—think oversized bats and gloriously small gloves.

The first game saw the Barbary Coast narrowly edge out the San Francisco Pacifics in a thrilling 14-13 victory. The afternoon matchup delivered another nail-biter, with the Mission Reddingtons defeating the San Francisco Pelicans 15-9. But the real winners were the 500 spectators who witnessed these games unfold against the backdrop of our lush vineyard rows.

Manuel Vallejo, who first approached John about sponsoring a baseball team over 40 years ago and still works at the winery today, had the honor of throwing out the first pitch. His presence perfectly embodied the event's spirit—a celebration of community, history, and the people who make Balletto Vineyards special.

The atmosphere buzzed with excitement as families spread blankets on the grass, children ran between the vines, and adults sipped our wines while soaking in the nostalgia. Little Leaguers attended in their uniforms, adding another layer of connection between baseball's past and present. Wine club members mingled with newcomers, all united by the simple joy of watching America's pastime played as it was over a century ago.

More Than Just Baseball: Creating Authentic Experiences

What makes vintage baseball so captivating? Beyond the novelty of historical recreation lies something deeper—a connection to simpler times and genuine community spirit. Players don't just wear period uniforms; they embody the era's gentlemanly approach to competition. The pace feels more relaxed, conversations flow easily between innings, and everyone seems to remember that games are supposed to be fun.

This authenticity resonates particularly well with families. Unlike traditional wine tastings that cater primarily to adults, our vintage baseball event welcomed children of all ages. Parents who rarely venture to wineries found themselves comfortable and engaged. As one attendee, Allison Allen, shared with the Chronicle: "With the two kids, we don't get to go to a lot of wine tastings... places like this make it feel very easy, like you don't have to put on a front when you come."

The event's family-friendly nature addresses a crucial industry challenge. Wine tourism has long struggled with accessibility, often feeling exclusive or intimidating to younger demographics. By creating an environment where wine becomes part of a larger, more approachable experience, we're opening doors that have remained closed for too long.

The Numbers Tell a Compelling Story

The San Francisco Chronicle highlighted a remarkable statistic about our wine club: while the industry average growth rate dropped to just 2% in 2024 (down from 11% in 2018), Balletto's wine club has grown by 30% over the past year. Our retention rate stands at twice the industry average, bucking trends that have challenged wineries throughout Sonoma County and beyond.

This success stems partly from events like our vintage baseball game. Last year, approximately 40 people joined our wine club specifically to attend the inaugural event. This year, demand was so high that after selling 150 general admission tickets in just 36 hours, the only way to secure entry was through wine club membership. We eventually decided to offer general admission tickets at $35 for adults and $15 for children—well below typical Wine Country tasting fees.

Amy Lieberfarb, our director of marketing and communications, could have charged $75 per ticket, but keeping prices accessible aligns with our values. We want to welcome people into our vineyard family, not create barriers that keep them away.

Looking Toward Future Innings

The success of this year's event has us already planning for 2026. Our third annual Old Timey Base Ball Game is expected to return to the Dream Field in June of next year, promising another day of vintage baseball magic. We're exploring additional creative events that blend wine with unexpected experiences, always keeping our focus on accessibility and authentic enjoyment.

The Chronicle article positions us as part of a larger movement among California wineries seeking innovative ways to attract younger consumers. From Donelan Family Wines' discounted tastings for visitors under 35 to Vina Robles' Gen Z-focused Rookie Club, the industry is recognizing that successful wine tourism requires more than just pour and sip.

What sets our approach apart is the genuine community spirit that infuses everything we do. The Dream Field wasn't built as a marketing tool—it emerged from care for our workers and has evolved into something that brings joy to hundreds of families. That authenticity can't be manufactured, and visitors feel the difference immediately.

Beyond the Vines: Building Community Through Wine

The vintage baseball event represents something larger than entertainment—it's community building through shared experience. Wine clubs traditionally focus on shipping bottles and offering tasting room discounts. While those benefits matter, lasting relationships form through memorable moments and genuine connections.

Sebastopol resident Amy Fox captured this sentiment perfectly in her Chronicle interview: "So many wineries are so overdone. It's refreshing to be at a winery that's so comfortable like this. This is real." That realness comes from staying true to our agricultural roots while embracing creative possibilities.

Our success demonstrates that wine tourism's future lies not in exclusivity but in inclusivity. By creating events where wine enhances rather than dominates the experience, we're showing that vineyards can be gathering places for entire communities. Children who attend our baseball games today might become wine enthusiasts tomorrow, but more importantly, they'll remember Balletto Vineyards as a place where they felt welcome and had fun.

Step Up to the Plate With Balletto

The Chronicle's coverage of our vintage baseball event validates what we've believed all along: wine country experiences should bring people together, not separate them. Our Dream Field has become more than just a baseball diamond among the vines—it's a symbol of what's possible when wineries embrace creativity and community.

If you missed this year's event, don't worry. Keep an eye out for tickets to our 2025 game, and in the meantime, we invite you to explore everything Balletto Vineyards offers. Whether you're interested in joining our thriving wine club, planning a visit to our tasting room, or simply learning more about our approach to vineyard hospitality, we'd love to welcome you to our family.

Visit our website to discover our wine offerings, sign up for our newsletter to stay informed about upcoming events, and consider joining our wine club for exclusive access to experiences like our vintage baseball games. After all, the best stories—like the best wines—are meant to be shared.