FIRST JOURNEYS - 80 GINS AROUND THE WORLD - PIN 14 OF 80
GRIFFO DISTILLERY, Sonoma County CA, USA
AROUND THE WORLD, ONE BOTTLE AT A TIME,
PHILEAS FOGG WOULD SURELY APPROVE
Today's stop on the Atlas takes me to the heart of Sonoma County, where family, science and craftsmanship come together at Griffo Distillery.
Founded in 2015 by husband-and-wife team Michael and Jenny Griffo, the distillery is the culmination of a shared dream to build something meaningful together. They wanted to create exceptional spirits while raising their family in a community they loved, and chose Petaluma as the perfect place to do just that.
Surrounded by fertile farmland and a thriving agricultural region, they have easy access to outstanding local produce and botanicals, while visitors can stop by the distillery to sample the range and learn more about the craft behind each bottle.
What makes Griffo particularly interesting is the blend of art and science. Michael's background in physics and Jenny's career in science helped shape the distillery's philosophy of combining precision with creativity.
Even their custom-built copper still, affectionately named Betty, was designed with modifications to give greater control over the distillation process, allowing every batch to be refined with remarkable consistency.
Their flagship Scott Street Gin, named after the road where the distillery is located, was the first spirit they released and remains their signature expression.
Distilled from a smooth non-GMO corn spirit, it combines wild Italian juniper with fragrant Meyer lemons picked from a neighbour's tree, alongside coriander and grains of paradise.
The result is a bright, beautifully balanced gin that shines in a Dry Martini but is equally enjoyable in a simple G&T.
Griffo's range has since expanded to include vodka, bourbon, whiskey and coffee liqueur, all produced with the same meticulous attention to detail and small-batch philosophy.
Another fascinating stop on the Atlas—and another reminder that great gin isn't just about the botanicals.
Sometimes it's the people, their passions and a little scientific curiosity that make all the difference.
“Built with family, rooted in community.”
"Show me a bottle
and I'll tell you a story."