Winona Laura Horowitz is born in Winona, Minnesota, named after the nearby city. Her parents, Michael and Cynthia Horowitz, were both writers and intellectuals with a counter-cultural bent.

Winona spends her early years living on a commune near Elk, California. This unconventional upbringing exposed her to a diverse range of people and ideas, fostering a free-spirited and independent attitude.

A devastating fire destroys the family's home, prompting them to move to Petaluma, California. This event likely had a significant impact on young Winona, forcing her to adapt to a new environment.

During junior high school, Winona was bullied for her androgynous appearance. This experience of being ostracized and misunderstood likely contributed to her later portrayal of outsider characters.

Winona attends the American Conservatory Theater in San Francisco, taking acting classes. This marked the beginning of her formal training and solidified her interest in pursuing a career in performing arts.