Crafting Elegant Wines with Family Tradition
At Bella Vineyards and Wine Caves, we are a small, family-run winery dedicated to crafting small lots of zinfandel. We focus on our own century-old vineyards as well as those tended by other small, passionate growers who are extremely dedicated to the heritage and quality of these vines planted so many generations ago. Family and tradition have always been the definition of Bella Vineyards.
Our Approach
We are committed to producing high-quality, distinctive wines and tasting experiences. By controlling the process from "vine to cork", we are able to use our sustainable approach to produce flavorful grapes that make elegant wines we are proud of. More than 70-percent of the grapes we use to produce wine are grown in our own vineyard. Our talented vineyard crews lovingly give our grapes the care and attention they need. We also arrange winery tours for various folks coming to enjoy the best wine in the world.
Our Team
We are fortunate to have a talented team of individuals who are passionate about creating exceptional wines. Our team includes:
- Ryan Schmaltz, Director of Winemaking, who has been with Bella since 2012 and has a PhD in organic chemistry. Ryan has a deep understanding of fermentation and winemaking techniques, having spent years perfecting Bella's winemaking processes.
- Joe Healy, Consulting Winemaker, who has been with Bella since 2001 and has a degree in both Viticulture and Enology from Fresno State University. Joe has dedicated his career to making the best wines possible from Bella's unique, old-vine blocks of zinfandel, syrah, and petite sirah.
- Nicolas Cornejo, Clendenen Vineyard Management, who has over three decades of experience in farming vineyards throughout Sonoma County. Nicolas and his team share Bella's passion for conscientious farming practices and are a perfect fit for our sustainable approach.
- Dr. Scott and Lynn Adams, who co-authored this section with their expertise in viticulture and enology.
Our Winemaking Philosophy
Our winemaking philosophy is built on a foundation of respect for the land, the vines, and the art of winemaking. We believe that great wines begin in the vineyard, where the grapes are grown with love and care. We use traditional methods to preserve the natural balance of the grapes, allowing the unique characteristics of each vineyard site to shine through in our wines.
Contact Us
We invite you to join us at Bella Vineyards and Wine Caves to experience the best wine in the world. Visit our tasting room, explore our vineyards, and learn more about our winemaking process. Contact us to schedule a tour or tasting experience today.
Atmosphere and Ambiance
The winery's atmosphere and ambiance were consistently praised by reviewers. Many mentioned the beautiful setting, with one reviewer describing it as "surreal" and another saying it was "relaxing." The outdoor seating area, surrounded by old olive trees and lavender gardens, was a particular highlight. Live music and acoustic guitar playing added to the ambiance, making for a memorable experience.
Wine and Wine Tastings
Reviewers raved about the wine, with many saying it was "delicious" and "amazing." The variety of wine options was appreciated, and the wine tastings were often mentioned as a highlight. One reviewer enjoyed the wine tasting menu, and another appreciated the private tour and wine tasting experience.
Staff and Service
The staff and service were consistently praised, with reviewers describing the staff as "incredibly kind, " "knowledgeable, " and "passionate." Many reviewers appreciated the personalized attention and care they received during their visit, with one saying they were told not to feel rushed.
Unique Experiences
Reviewers appreciated the unique experiences offered by the winery, such as the private tours and wine cave tastings. One reviewer mentioned the fun and informative nature of the tour, while another appreciated the ability to hike up the hill and enjoy the views.
Criticisms
One reviewer mentioned a less-than-ideal experience with their tasting guide, which prevented them from giving the winery a perfect score.
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