Italian Wineries in Napa and Sonoma: A Guide to the Best Tasting Rooms
- Theresa Downs
- 2 days ago
- 2 min read
No Passport. Just Pour.
DaVero Farms & Winery
All images via Wine By Appointment LLC
One thing you pick up on right away is how proud the staff at DaVero is of their winery. Founded in 1990 by Ridgely Evers and Colleen McGlynn, DaVero Farms & Winery is a biodynamic, regenerative farm and winery inspired by Italian and Mediterranean agricultural traditions; in fact, a single glass of Sagrantino Del Montefalco at a New York restaurant started it all. The estate focuses on farming in harmony with nature, emphasizing soil health and biodiversity.
Over the years, they've honed their philosophy of a 'living farm winery' blending organic, biodynamic, and regenerative practices. Their principle 'Grow What Belongs Here' prioritizes Mediterranean varietals suited to Sonoma's climate, including Sangiovese and Sagrantino.
Winemaking intervention is kept to a minimum. Production techniques include native yeast fermentation and neutral oak aging, allowing terroir and vintage character to shine. The estate also produces olive oil and farm goods.
While their winery and, certainly, their wines are impressive, their Kune Kune pig population, a small and gentle New Zealand breed, is adorable and made the visit even more memorable.
We had a lovely time sampling their locally produced snacks and drinking their delicious wines, particularly the Sangiovese and, of course, Sagrantino.
Details:
🛏️Address: 766 Westside Rd, Healdsburg, CA 95448
☎️Phone: 707-431-8000 ext1
🌐Website: www.davero.com
Benessere Vineyards
John and Ellen fell in love with Italy on a visit in the 1980s, so much so that they named the winery they founded in 1994, Benessere, in commemoration of that trip.
Benessere Vineyards is a bit of an outlier. St. Helena is Cabernet Sauvignon country. It's rare, although becoming less so, to find a winery that eschews Cab. Benessere Vineyards specializes in Italian varieties. They have quite a repertoire: Pinot Grigio, Vermentino, Falanghina, Teroldego, Nero d'Avola, Montepulciano, and Aglianico, to name a few.
On a recent visit, we got to experience the benessere firsthand, sampling the winery's plentiful charcuterie plates and delicious Teroldego. The winery sports both an intimate indoor tasting room and a spacious outdoor patio for nicer weather.
Details:
🛏️Address 1010 Big Tree Rd, St Helena, CA 94574
☎️Phone: 707-963-5853
🌐Website: www.benesserevineyards.com
