Martinelli Winery

The Martinelli family are part of the historical fiber of the Russian River Valley. They have been growing grapes and apples in Sonoma for over 100 years, planting their first Pinot Noir in 1970. The family patriarch is Lee Martinelli, Sr. who along with his two sons oversees the management of the vineyards. Lee, Sr. has transitioned into high-density plantings upon the urgings of his winemaker clients. The Martinellis farm 300 acres of vineyards in the Russian River Valley and Sonoma Coast appellations. 75 acres are planted to Pinot Noir.

The Martinellis began producing Pinot Noir under their own label in 1993, with Helen Turley as the winemaker. Bryan Kvamme a University California Davis-trained winemaker was Turley's assistant and became the winemaker beginning with the 2011 vintage. Current production is 7,500 cases which includes nine Pinot Noirs (Bella Vigna, Blue Slide Ridge, Bondi Home Ranch, Martinelli Vineyard Reserve, Mooshine Ranch, Russian River Valley, Seven Mules Vineyard, Three Sisters Vineyard and Zio Tony Ranch. Other varieties include the well-known Jackass Vineyard Zinfandels, Syrah, Sauvignon Blanc, Muscat Alexandria and Gewurtztraminer. The Pinot Noirs are bold, fruit-driven and highly structured wines.

A tasting room, located in the Martinelli's historic Hop Barn is open daily from 10:00 to 5:00. 3360 River Road, Windsor. An adjacent hop barn has been converted into a winery. 707-525-0570. The wines are sold through a mailing list with some bottlings available at the tasting room.