Italians have a wonderful saying, “Viti Vecchie, Vini Buono” which translates to “Old Vines, Great Wine.” This is certainly the case at Russian River Valley’s Battaglini Winery off Piner Road. Unassuming at best, it’s easy to pass the driveway on the windy country road mistaking the Battaglini Winery as another of the area’s old farmhouses with colorful red outbuildings and antique lawn art.
Being an Italian wine aficionado, I ventured down the gravel lane. Giuseppe,, aka Joe, Battaglini, sauntered out to unlock the tasting shed for me on a rainy winter’s day following the 2016 Winter Wineland weekend festivities. Joe warmly welcomed me to Battaglini Winery and invited me to taste his award-winning wines.
Ribbons were proudly strung across the back wall and photographs of Italy adorned the walls. Quite a bit of history in this tiny rustic tasting room! Roots run deep, literally speaking, on this old homestead.
Giuseppe and his wife Lucia, immigrated from Italy to California in 1956, seeking a similar Italian lifestyle amongst the vines.
The original owner and vintner, Bartholomew Lagomarsino, also an Italian immigrant, planted Zinfandel and Petite Sirah in 1885 on this very site.
Today, the 1885 vines still flourish and produce incredible full-bodied Zinfandel and Petit Sirah, which have become the Battaglini Winery flagship wines. In addition, the vineyards are planted to Chardonnay.
For a truly authentico experience, stop by for a game of bocce and a glass of Old Vine Zin! www.battagliniwines.com
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