100% Estate Grown & Estate Bottled

We grow grapes where they are meant to thrive.

We are farmers and we farm hard. There are no shortcuts.

850 acres of vineyards
900,000 estate grown vines
Each vine is touched by a human at least 4 times prior to harvest

For Balletto, it all starts with our soil and climate. A healthy soil combined with a great climate equals healthy vines. Growing up just south of Sebastopol in the 1960`s, my parents Alfred and Hazel Balletto always had a huge vegetable garden, I think there were times in the summer when all of our meals came from our small farm, as we had chickens and cattle also.

"I grew up loving having a garden and nurturing the plants until harvest, this is the same philosophy we have now in nurturing our vines so they yield some of the finest grapes in the Russian River Valley and also in the world.

We start right after harvest and fertilize our vines so they store up nutrients in their trunk and roots for the upcoming year. Then pruning comes, and we trim off all the excess growth, selecting new canes to lay down for next year. These canes are carefully laid down on the wire and tied off so they don’t move.

As spring approaches, the buds will swell and shoots will emerge in late February and early March. We monitor the temperature every night, so when the alarm goes off at 36 degrees, the frost crew is awakened and go to their assigned ranches. They then wait until the temperature hits 34 degrees to turn on the sprinklers and Fans to protect the young, tender growth from frost damage.

As the buds start to push and the green leaves and small bunches appear we nurture the vines to make sure the bunches and leaves are free of disease and are growing in a normal pattern. The months of April and May are the most vigorous months for the vine to grow and establish it`s canopy and leaf area. Our goal is to have the correct balance of canopy and fruit to sustain a healthy vine. A strong canopy and large Leaf area will help the clusters of grapes to mature with a balanced mix of acidity and brix for the end result of a very flavorful wine. As harvest approaches the grapes are tested every few days and then daily before picking to ensure that the winemaker is delighted with the grapes.

In advance of a heat wave, we will supply each vine with a few gallons of water to ensure that the berries will not desiccate and to avoid any undue stress to the vines. I guess you could say our philosophy is that our vines are like our family, and we want to take care of them and nurture them, so they provide us with a nice crop, and in turn, great wine, year after year.

The Balletto Family strives for healthy vines, a healthy environment, sustainable farming and in the end a great bottle of wine to share with family and Friends. Cheers! " - John Balletto

We are Farm Forward.

There is something extremely special and extraordinary about having 100% control of your vines and making wine from estate vineyards. It means complete control from vineyard to bottle. From vine to glass. We have first-hand extensive and intimate knowledge. Confidence and consistency.

It means diligently watching over our vines, through all the elements year-round.
It means sleepless nights during frost season.
It means we make every decision. Day after day.

Vintage after vintage to guide our fruit toward its highest potential and showcasing the land on which it is grown. Knowing where to plant vineyards and grow grapes in the right spot where they can thrive. Every farming decision is intentional. Every cut is a judgment call. Meticulous Farming.