Griffo Distillery: Betty Is Still Winning Awards

Betty has her place of honor on the production floor, towering over everything. She is the heart and soul of Griffo Distillery. A bright copper still producing the award-winning spirits made here. Gin, whiskey, vodka, and even the hand sanitizer that Griffo Distillery made to battle through the pandemic hard times.

Jennifer and Michael Griffo own and operate Griffo Distillery. Betty was Jenny’s great aunt who lived to be 99 years old. An incredible woman, Betty was born and raised in the wild Alaskan wilderness of Fairbanks. She may have been a few inches short of five feet tall, but she was capable of so much. Now, Griffo Distillery honors Great Aunt Betty by naming the essential component of the distillery in her honor. Betty has proudly won many awards for the Griffo family distillery. Michael and Jennifer rely on her to make the finest spirits for their growing fan base.

Jennifer describes how she and Michael met. “We met while we were both in graduate school. Mike was in his last year at UCSC finishing his Ph.D. in Physics. I was at Stanford. It was love at first sight.”

After working in jobs that required extensive travel and countless hours in labs, they decided to put down roots and build a business. They chose Petaluma because they have family here. Michael and Jennifer and their three children couldn’t be happier with the life they have made in Petaluma. Their goal is to invite people to come, enjoy a delicious cocktail, and eat some great food.

When you walk through the front door of Griffo Distillery, you see an industrial-chic bar serving cocktails along with Betty hard at work to the left.

To the right is the Barrel Room with a fabric ceiling glowing with strings of lights, creating a warm, inviting feel. Couches and communal-style tables are scattered around. Oak barrels line the walls, creating an appealing atmosphere and delightful fragrance. The Barrel Room welcomes friends, family, and children as well.

Order one of the many cocktails made from Griffo’s Gin, Whiskey, Vodka, or Cold-Brewed Coffee Liqueur. So many tempting drinks on the menu! Make a reservation, relax and unwind with family and friends after a long day. When making a reservation for the Barrel Room, an extensive selection of food items is available for pre-order. Petaluma’s Stockhome restaurant will prepare your choices and have them ready for you soon after your arrival. Listed in the Michelin Guide, Stockhome is a Bib Gourmand restaurant. Enjoy tasty snacks or full meals that complement your drink selection perfectly. Unique spirits, great food, family, and fun. Under the Petaluma Sun!

Griffo Distillery

1320 Scott Street, Suite A

707.879.8755

Visit the website for tasting room hours, tour information, and retail hours.

Story and photos by Steven Ward; read about more of his adventures at 10MinuteTravel