Italian wines

Dry Creek’s Sbragia Family Vineyards Sono Molto Belle

October 22, 2015 by Deborah Mines

Driving through the scenic Dry Creek Valley AVA reminds me of Tuscany with very similar climate, topography and grape varietals. As a matter of fact, there is a collective of Italian immigrants and wine growers that have settled in Dry Creek for that very reason.

Soft rolling hills and long meandering roads lead to Sbragia Family Vineyards at the far end of Healdsburg’s Dry Creek Road. Climbing up the steep driveway, the panoramic view spans from the Rockpile AVA and Sonoma Dam to the Alexander Valley. Sbragia Family Vineyards is truly one of the prettiest views in all of Northern Sonoma County.

The Sbragia family has deep roots, literally, in Dry Creek Valley, having farmed the area for over 100 years. Grapes are sourced from the family vineyards located in Healdsburg, Alexander, Sonoma and Napa Valleys. [Read more…]

Napa Valley’s Castello di Amorosa Winery Is Bewitching

December 24, 2014 by Deborah Mines

It’s no wonder why the Castello di Amorosa in the sleepy town of Calistoga is one of the most adored and visited wineries. The 13th century Tuscan-styled castle was painstakingly replicated by owner and winemaker Dario Sattui, taking more than 14 years to construct.

Sattui’s dream of building a winery to host his Italian varietals in Napa Valley became more of an obsession. Castello di Amorosa is tucked against the forested hills overlooking acres of vineyards.

Italian Cypress trees line the long driveway to the castle where the magic unfolds as one crosses the drawbridge to enter the castle. Sheep and chickens roam the dry moat area surrounding the castle, mingling with visitors.

Castle tours with wine tastings are artfully guided by docents throughout the 107 room medieval castle and grounds. [Read more…]

Paso Robles’ Fratelli Perata Winery Is Fantastico

April 12, 2014 by Deborah Mines

Calling all Italophiles… For truly authentic Italian wines, head for Fratelli Perata Winery off West Highway 46 in Paso Robles. Family run by brothers, Gino and Joe Perata, the craft of winemaking dates back to their paternal grandfather and great-uncle in Genoa, Italy.

Fratelli Perata Winery (translates to Perata Brothers) graces 31 hilltop acres on the north end of Paso Robles. Situated in the renown Templeton Wind Gap, the winds blow straight from the ocean across the vineyards, bathing and cooling the grapes with the perfect amount of moisture. A long growing season with hot sunny days and cool nights make this the perfect place for the Italian varietal grapes.

Fratelli Perata is dry-farmed, meaning no supplemental irrigation. With the current drought conditions, the harvest crop size is expected to be half of the normal production for 2014. Barbera, Sangiovese, Montepulciano D’Abruzzo, Malfalda, Charbono, Zinfandel, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petite Verdot, Petit Sirah and Cabernet Franc are all estate grown grapes at Fratelli Perata. Each wine is handcrafted, aged in new oak barrels and is representative of a different region in Italy. [Read more…]