EXHIBIT 23.1

               CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT CERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS


We have issued our report dated July 28,  2003,  accompanying  the  consolidated
financial  statements  and schedule  included in the Annual Report of SonomaWest
Holdings,  Inc. and Subsidiary on Form 10-K for the year ended June 30, 2003. We
hereby  consent  to  the  incorporation  by  reference  of  said  report  in the
Registration  Statements  of  SonomaWest  Holdings,  Inc. on Forms S-8 (File No.
033-70870,  effective 10/27/93,  File No. 333-84295,  effective 8/2/99, and File
No. 333-101755, effective 12/10/02).



GRANT THORNTON LLP

San Francisco, California
September 8, 2003