Giovanni Balistreri, also known as Gio, who is the Winemaker and General Manager of Russian River Vineyards, along with a group of financial supporters, has recently acquired the ownership of Russian River Vineyards from the previous partner group that has been in control of the business since 2008. Being one of the original RRV partners, Balistreri has successfully revitalized the company, established a solid operational team, and significantly increased sales and distribution channels ever since assuming the role of General Manager in 2019.
variety. The acquisition of the estate by Giovanni Balistreri, a well-known figure in the world of Pinot Noir, took place during the autumn season of 2008. HTML разметка: winemaker Anthony Austin, Chris O’Neill and over 40+ other investors and partners.
According to Gio, having a smaller group of owners and a more streamlined management system allows him to dedicate more attention to the wine and expanding the business. Gio states, "With the reduced number of owners and a simplified management structure, my ability to focus on the wine and drive business growth has significantly improved."
Located at the epicenter of the Russian River Valley, RRV has gained a well-deserved reputation for its exceptional craftsmanship in producing exquisite Pinot Noirs, Chardonnays, and a range of other traditional varietals. With a history dating back to 1963, RRV continues to set the bar high, consistently producing award-winning wines from their carefully cultivated single vineyard sites.
Recently, Russian River Vineyards has achieved tremendous success in two prominent polls. In the "Best of the North Bay" readers' poll by NorthBay Biz, our winery was recognized for the second time as the winner of the prestigious "Best Pinot Noir" category. Additionally, in the 2022 Press Democrat Reader's Poll, our vineyard was honored with the titles of "Best Tasting Room" and "Best White Wine." We are thrilled and grateful for these accolades, which further validate the exceptional quality of our offerings.
Anthony Austin, one of the original founders and a consulting winemaker, will continue to serve as an advisor to both Balistreri and Russian River Vineyards. In his advisory role, Austin will provide valuable insights and expertise to help guide the future success of these esteemed vineyards.
