Care & Craftsmanship
How it Began
In 2008, a skilled farmer and future winemaker named Giovanni Balistreri embarked on a mission to restore the illustrious past and vast untapped possibilities of a remarkable wine-making property in Sonoma County. Guided by the expertise of acclaimed winemaker Anthony Austin, Giovanni Balistreri sought to revive the legacy of this estate, situated in the heart of the Russian River Valley, which rightfully boasts the prestigious Russian River Valley appellation.
The winemakers recognized the immense potential of this petite estate, but what truly mattered to them was their intimate understanding of the unique locale it occupies. This was not a site suited for constructing a massive, corporate winery focused on churning out wine in large quantities. Instead, it was a cherished spot where an artful and patient approach could yield wine of exceptional caliber. With the passage of ten years, this esteemed estate has successfully reclaimed its former greatness.
A Light Touch
Exceptional wine originates from outstanding grapes. We view it as our responsibility to maintain a delicate approach in our winemaking process and to allow the true essence of the fruit to shine through in the wine. This philosophy stands in direct contrast to a heavy-handed, forced-process approach where chemicals are used to establish a flavor profile based on market preferences.
That's the reason why our process is distinguished by producing limited quantities of wines from individual vineyards. This principle entails a highly involved approach from the winemaker and necessitates a strong agricultural background as a prerequisite. It may require extra effort, and it may not be the most streamlined method to produce wine. However, it is our preferred method.
Farmers First
We don't complicate the process of making wine. We prioritize being farmers above all else. Gio, our winemaker, comes from a lineage of farmers spanning four generations, and he wouldn't have it any other way. The key to creating exceptional wine lies in cultivating exceptional fruit. The inherent qualities and flavors of the fruit, when harvested, dictate its potential to develop into a premium wine.
It's important to note that there are no quick or easy solutions. To achieve success, one must be present and involved in every aspect of crop management. As agriculturalists, we take a hands-on approach not only to our own vineyards but also to the farming of all vineyards that contribute to our wine production, regardless of ownership. If we don't actively oversee the cultivation process, we won't produce wine from that particular source.
Our Winemaker
Giovanni “Gio” Balistreri hails from a long line of Sonoma County farmers, spanning four generations. At the tender age of seven, Gio began his labor on the family's dairy farm. Rising with the early morning sun alongside his Grandfather, Les, Gio diligently completed the daily chores, acquiring the essential expertise that sustains his family's way of life.
At the time of Gio's departure for college, he had already acquired a decade of hands-on farming expertise. However, Gio's father, Jack Balistreri, had recognized the opportunity of the family farm for cultivating wine grapes. Consequently, Gio and his father established a four-acre vineyard of Pinot Noir grapes in Freestone, CA. With the impending arrival of his inaugural wine harvest, Gio enrolled at Fresno State University, choosing to pursue a major in Agricultural Business. His concentrations within the field included Winery Management, Wine Marketing, and Wine Sales.
Gio was invited by the famed winemaker Anthony Austin in the year 2008 to be part of a group that purchased Russian River Vineyards. Guided by Anthony, Gio acquired knowledge in the art of winemaking using the delicate touch technique that has now become synonymous with Russian River Vineyards. Subsequently, the wines of Russian River Vineyards have attained over 200 awards, 75 of which are gold medals.
Giovanni Balistreri
Gio assumed the position of winemaker at RRV in 2012, and since then, he has consistently produced exceptional wines. In 2014, Gio was honored with the prestigious title of "Best Winemaker" in the esteemed North of the Gate Wine Competition. Additionally, in 2016, he triumphed by claiming the esteemed "Best Red Wine in Sonoma County" award at the renowned Sonoma County Harvest Fair. Furthermore, in early 2019, Russian River Vineyards' estate-grown Pinot achieved recognition as the "Best Pinot Noir" according to the North Bay Biz Magazine reader's poll. Notably, this year, RRV wines have already achieved the feat of garnering at least one gold medal in five different competitions.
In spite of all the challenges faced, the Balistreri Family Vineyard has persisted and flourished, resulting in the inclusion of its wines in the esteemed collection of Russian River Vineyards. Undoubtedly, Gio has discovered his ultimate passion, and at Russian River Vineyards, we consider ourselves extremely fortunate to have been the place where he found it.
If you're looking for Gio, you'll likely find him at our tasting room on most days. However, availability during harvest time might be different. Nevertheless, Gio cherishes the feedback he receives, especially from those who appreciate the meticulous work he puts into crafting our product. Therefore, we invite you to stop by and make his acquaintance.
At our tasting room, you will usually find Gio on regular days, although it may not be the case during harvest time. Gio, however, greatly appreciates receiving feedback, particularly from those who appreciate the product he dedicates so much effort into creating. Therefore, feel free to drop by and have a chance to meet him.
The Russian River Valley
The Russian River Valley stands among the most remarkable winemaking regions globally. Despite being frequently eclipsed by the renowned Napa Valley in the eyes of wine connoisseurs, true enthusiasts of fine wine are well-acquainted with the captivating allure of this valley. This was precisely the sentiment held by the recent proprietors of Russian River Vineyards a little over ten years ago. Their objective was to fully capitalize on the extraordinary surroundings and craft exceptional wine.
What Makes it Special
The region offers a unique set of climate characteristics. It experiences warm summer days, which are crucial for the production of sugar in grapes. However, its close proximity to the Pacific Ocean and the Russian River ensures that it remains cool at night, thanks to the transmission of cold air and fog from the ocean. These cool nighttime temperatures help preserve the acidity levels in the grapes. This combination of warm days and cool nights is vital for farmers to achieve and maintain the ideal balance of sugar and acid. This balance is what distinguishes high-quality Pinot Noir and Chardonnay wines, and the Russian River Valley consistently produces some of the finest wines made from these grape varieties, year after year. In addition, the region benefits from its diverse and fertile soil conditions, making it an ideal destination for winemakers.
Wine can be described as the fusion of sunlight and water, intertwining harmoniously. Wine is the marriage of sunlight, carefully united with the essence of water.
- Galileo Galilei