EXHIBIT 23.1




            CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

We have issued our report dated July 25,  2004,  accompanying  the  consolidated
financial  statements  and schedule  included in the Annual Report of SonomaWest
Holdings,  Inc. and  Subsidiary  on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended June 30,
2004. 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, File No. 333-84295, and File No. 333-101755.



GRANT THORNTON LLP

San Francisco, California
September 24, 2004