Martinelli Winery

3360 River Road, Windsor, CA 95492

Website: http://www.martinelliwinery.com/

I like Martinelii winery because it’s rooted in family tradition.  Located in the heart of the Russian River Valley is an old red barn and former hop kiln.  The Martinelli family are well lauded grape growers who sell 90% of their grapes to other well-known wineries.  The family has been growing grapes since the 1880s. The original founders, Giuseppe and Luisa, came from the Tuscany region of Italy to California to farm and start a winery.  They started by planting Zinfandel and Muscat Alexandria on a 60 degree slope. The vineyard that is still farmed today is the steepest non-terraced vineyard in Sonoma. It is affectionately called Jackass Hill which started when Guiseppe and Luisa’s son was told “only a jackass would farm a hill that steep”.  The fourth generation of the family is involved in running the winery today.

The tasting room is inside of a large red building that looks like a farmhouse.  The entrance is underneath a trellis covered in green ivy. Inside is a large open space that has a very rustic atmosphere.  There’s a square bar in the middle of the room. The room is framed by wood beams and has old wine barrels and other historical memorabilia all about the space.  I thought it was cool that the side of the tasting bar looks like it is made from leather hide. The glass pendant lights above the bar add to the ambiance. Overall the space is simple yet intriguing.

The hop kiln at Martinelli Winery

This winery is most well known for their Zinfandel.  They also produce Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Syrah. They offer several different tasting options – walk-ins, tastings on the terrace, lunch with wine, private tastings, or the collector’s flight of their limited, most highly rated wines including the Jackass Hill Vineyard Zinfandel.  My husband and I did the basic tasting experience and got to sample all of the different varietals that they produce.

After our tasting we took a walk around the property.  We walked around the historic hop kiln. My favorite part was the terrace.  It was so pretty with all of the flowers and greenery. There were vines surrounding it.  It was such a peaceful setting. This winery is certainly worth a stop if you are in the Russian River Valley, especially for Zinfandel fans.  I would recommend spending some time out on the terrace.

The terrace at Martinelli Winery