Balletto

The Balletto family has been farming in the Russian River area for over 30 years, growing all kinds of vegetables and — more recently — Chardonnay and Pinot Noir grapes. After selling their fruit for many years, they decided to produce their own Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Zinfandel and Sonoma Coast Pinot Gris.

The winery shares space with Dutton-Goldfield Winery. You can taste both wineries’ offerings at their new tasting room on Occidental Road. Outside, there is a large trellis that shelters picnic tables and space heaters and is attached to the metal-sided winery. Inside is a stylish room with tile floors, a concrete tasting bar and original art, maps and photographs on the walls.

The Ballettos understand grapes and the necessity to marshal their vineyards so that they produce the highest quality fruit for their winery customers and for their own estate wines. Their grapes are handpicked, and all of their wines go through malolactic fermentation.