UNCORKED WINE TRAVELS

Musings Along The Wine Trails

Battaglini Winery Touts “Viti Vecchie, Vini Buono”

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IMG_0239Italians 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.

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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.

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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.

shapeimage_8 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.

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For a truly authentico experience, stop by for a game of bocce and a glass of Old Vine Zin!  www.battagliniwines.com

 

Saucelito Canyon Is Absolutely Zinful

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Staking claim in 1880 in the rugged canyon of the upper Arroyo Grande Valley, Saucelito Canyon is literally “as old as the hills”.  A century later, Bill Greenough restored the abandoned vineyards and made a name for himself in the Central Coast wine making business.  Today, his son, Tom follows in his father’s footsteps as a second generation winemaker specializing in seven different Zinfandels as well as a spicy Tempranillo and an excellent Sauvignon Blanc and Cote du Blanc,  a Rhone Blend.

Saucelito Canyon Hostess, Terri welcomes me back with a photo of my Canine Companion for Independence Puppy photo of Emory, taken at the winery in 2010
Saucelito Canyon Hostess, Terri Shearer, welcomes me back with a photo that still hangs in the back office, of my Canine Companion for Independence puppy, Emory IV, taken at the winery in 2010.  Terri remarked, “It was so great to finally connect you with Emory’s picture!”

Saucelito Canyon is a family run boutique winery that is always a joy to visit and has a very friendly vibe!  Wine club membership has some excellent perks, including special events at  the  historical Arroyo Grande Valley ranch.  Blending in with the locals for the winemaker dinners, barbecues and  wine pick up parties are only a few of the reasons I love being a wine club member at Saucelito Canyon.  For the truly discerning Zinfandel lover, the 1880 Old Vine Club is a must! [Read more…]