Inside the Tasting Rooms
Forchini Vineyards & Winery - The Renaissance of Sonoma County Wines

A visit to Forchini Vineyards & Winery offers a refreshing historical point of view.

Jim Forchini came to Sonoma in 1963 while he was doing product development as mechanical engineer. He naturally became interested in viticulture and after five years, he bought his first vineyard in the Russian River Valley. He began as a hobbyist winemaker, as so many well-known winemakers do, culling from the experience and knowledge of the farmers he befriended. In 1976 Jim's career was in transition and he decided to leave engineering and try his hand as a full-time grape grower with a dream of one day owning his own winery……..In 1996 that dream came true and in his first year he produced 426 cases of Gold Medal winning Zinfandel. Within four years he was producing 3000 cases of premium 100% estate grown and bottled, award winning wine.

During this period, the Sonoma county wine industry was undergoing a complete renaissance. The big winemakers - think Gallo, Seghesio, Asti - were transforming their vineyards from generic varietals bottled in gallon jugs, to premium varietals in sleek, sexy bottles. This was an exciting time because winemaking was suddenly viewed as a 'craft' not a necessity, and one that the artisan could direct, influence and engineer, turning the wine industry into what we know today.

The Forchini's were witness to, and a participant in, this quiet revolution. Leading an industry that defines luxury into one of the most sought after yet savored, consumer products of today.

Forchini Vineyards & Winery is still a family owned operation. They own 91 acres of vineyards in the Russian River and Dry Creek Valley's and they retain 25% of their best grapes for estate bottling. They make six award winning estate grown wines including: Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir, a Private Reserve Zinfandel, Chardonnay, Papa Nonno (a Tuscon Style Red,) and BeauSierra (a Bordeaux style red.)

They're open for tastings Fri. - Sun. 11-4:30pm, and Mon.-Thur. by appointment. Be sure to bring a picnic and enjoy the view from their Dry Creek Valley tasting room.

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