Guided on a tour by Mario Fortino, he explained that his father is a 3rd generation wine maker, although he is only the second generation to produce wine in the United States. Duties are split amongst the family: Mother Frances, Father Mario, and son Carlo. In addition to the Cabernet Sauvignon and Petite Syrah for which California is famous, the Fortino's pay hommage to their Italian roots with Dolcetto Rosso and Chianti. THE wood-framed winery and fermenting room were built in 1972. The premium grapes are handpicked and naturally fermented in wood tanks and then pressed in an old style wooden basket press. The wine is then matured to perfection with the proper balance of aging time between redwood tanks and premium French oak barrels. Bottled on a limited basis, the wines are allowed to bottle age before being released to the public.
