Running a winery is not like running any other business. Between vineyard cycles, production timelines, inventory swings, tasting room sales, distribution channels, and compliance requirements, the financial side of a winery is complex.
A generic accountant might be able to file your taxes, but they usually don’t understand the unique challenges that come with winemaking. That’s why working with an accountant who specializes in wineries makes all the difference.
The truth is, there aren’t many accounting firms that focus specifically on wineries. We’re biased, of course, because we believe Llamas Financial is the best fit for many Napa Valley wineries.
But we also know that no one firm is right for everyone, so here’s a list of the top 4 winery accountants we respect and recommend, and who each one is best suited for.
1. Llamas Financial
Best for wineries that want 1:1 personalized attention in Napa Valley
Llamas Financial was founded by Octavio Llamas, a Napa native with deep ties to the wine industry. Before starting the firm, Octavio managed financial operations at Morlet Family Vineyards and Huneeus Vintners, where he gained firsthand experience with winery cost accounting, inventory management, compliance, and strategic growth planning.
We’re a small team by design, which means you always know who you’re working with. Our clients appreciate the hands-on, personalized support that helps them stay financially organized without feeling like just another number at a large firm.
What we’re especially good at:
- Cash flow forecasting and management
- Margin and profitability analysis
- Inventory and cost tracking for wine production
- Budgeting and scenario planning
- Acting as a fractional CFO for growing wineries
Best fit: Small to mid-sized Napa Valley wineries that want direct access to their accountant and a partner who truly understands the wine business.
2. Northwest Wine Accounting
Best for small wineries that want modern systems and ongoing support
Based in Washington state, Northwest Wine Accounting specializes in helping small and family-owned wineries simplify their financials. They use cloud accounting systems and offer subscription-style pricing that makes costs predictable. Their services include bookkeeping, payroll, costing, forecasting, and compliance.
They’re especially well-suited for wineries producing up to about 10,000 cases a year and for owners who want a friendly, approachable team to take the stress out of financial management. While they’re not local to Napa or Sonoma, they’re a strong option for wineries outside California looking for modern systems and steady support.
Best fit: Smaller wineries across the West Coast that want approachable support and cloud-based systems to keep finances running smoothly.
3. Pisenti & Brinker LLP
Best for established wineries that want traditional CPA expertise
Pisenti & Brinker has been serving wineries in the North Bay for more than 55 years. Their team understands how to handle the finer details of winery accounting, like racking losses, tasting room samples, and entity structuring. One of their partners even owned and operated a vineyard for more than 20 years, giving them valuable perspective from inside the industry.
Best fit: Larger, established wineries that want a traditional CPA firm with deep experience and a full suite of tax and compliance services.
4. C&D LLP
Best for wineries that want a financial strategy alongside tax support
C&D LLP is a well-known accounting firm that works across many industries, not just wineries. They provide audits, reviews, tax compliance, and strategic financial services like forecasting, budgeting, and cash flow planning. While wineries are only one part of their client base, they do bring experience working with some producers at scale.
Because they’re a larger firm, they have the resources to handle more complex needs, but they may not offer the same specialized focus as smaller, winery-specific firms.
Best fit: Wineries that want the backing of a large CPA firm with broad expertise and the ability to handle complex compliance and reporting, even if winery accounting is not their only specialty.
Which Winery Accountant is The Best Fit For Your Winery?
There isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer when it comes to winery accountants.
- If you want highly personalized attention and a Napa-based team, Llamas Financial may be the right fit.
- If you’re a smaller winery looking for approachable support and don’t mind working with a Washington-based firm, Northwest Wine Accounting is worth a look.
- If you’re more established and want traditional CPA experience, Pisenti & Brinker is a solid choice.
- And if you want the resources of a big firm with experience across many industries, C&D LLP may be right for you.
Each of these firms brings something unique to the table. The best choice depends on where your winery is today and where you want to take it next.
Interested in what we do here at Llamas Financial?
You can book a quick introductory call with our team by using our calendar here. We always look forward to new faces.
Until next time!
