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ZAP Part 2: Ramazzotti Wines & Berryessa Gap Vineyards

In this second ZAP (Zinfandel Advocates and Producers) podcast, I feature Ramazzotti Wines & Berryessa Gap Vineyards as I promoted the annual Zinfandel Experience.

Joe and Travis Ramazzotti follow in immigrant Guiseppe’s footsteps growing zinfandel and other Italian varieties. In 2002, they  decided to start bottling their grapes and others from legendary vineyards in Sonoma County as Ramazzotti Wines. I met up with Joe and Travis at Deavola Pizzaria in Geyserville for the interview. Hey, why not drink wine and eat pizza while we talk?

Nicole Salengo, the winemaker at Berryessa Gap Vineyards, fills us in on the important history of grapvines in Winters, California. It’s a warm region but evening winds funneled through the Berryessa Gap cool down the grapes. She crafts a good variety of wines but zin is one of her favorites.  In this interview you’ll find out how this geology loving Vermont gal became a California winemaker.

From Sonoma County to Yolo County, Ramazzotti Wines & Berryessa Gap Vineyards do not share much in common with their winemaking style but between the two there’s something for everyone.

A Wine Uncorked feature is also included.  Stay in, stay healthy and enjoy some wine while you listen. Cheers!

 

Ramazzotti Wines

Joe is on my left, Travis is on the right

 

Ramazzotti Wines

The Ramazzotti Wines tasting room in Geyserville

Ramazzotti Wines

The wine that prompted the interview

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Berryessa Gap Vineyards

Winemaker, Nicole Salengo

Berryessa Gap Vineyards

Berryessa Gap Vineyards with the “gap” in the upper left that funnels in cool night air.

Berryessa Gap Vineyards

Boxes of Martinez Orchards rootstock that has appeared in vineyards from Yolo County to Napa Valley and Sonoma County.

 

With Nicole in front of their downtown tasting room