VJB Vineyards & Cellars

The most Italian property in California

A property that was born in 1999. VJB Winery is the result of a family project supported by two brothers (Victor Joseph and Henry Belmonte) and supported by their family.
Initially the Belmonte family was settled in Santa Rosa. In 1999 they began to produce wine from grapes selected and purchased from other properties but these wines were intended for personal consumption as well as some for their most loyal customers.

Vittorio and Henry Belmonte

Unfortunately Victor Joseph Belmonte died before seeing the completion of the project that was so close to his heart. After his death the family was actively involved in the creation of this vineyard. Today each family member is involved in the operation.

How did this project to create a Winery was born?

Henry and Victor J. (the two brothers) discovered and were passionate for Italian wines and California since they were 9 years old, and after having tasted some wines in the cellar of their father. It was after this experience that Henry and Joseph began leading producing wines under the name of the family.

The father, Vittorio, a former wine Italian worker in the vineyards of his family: Bonito vineyards, was proud to hear this desire and strongly encouraged them. Incidentally he gave them a little advice “Your should make wine that you would like to drink and produce… in the worst case scenario, if you cannot sell it, you can drink it“…. 😉 The wines they produce nowadays in their property is consistent with this advice.

Where does the name VJB comes from?

In the Memory of Victor J. Belmonte, Henry and Vittorio Belmonte decided to give name to the property as VJB, an anagram of Joseph Vittorio Belmonte.

Which is the philosophy of this property?

The Italian friendly family. As Henry Belmonte said “I want to welcome people as I would be welcomed” … and his summary states, in his property we feel the warmness of a family environment, the charms of Italian hospitality.

When entering the tasting room you will pass by the Italian grocery store. Proud of their roots, their origin, the Belmonte family, in addition to creating buildings and wines with an Italian flavor, offers some of the best Italian products. Part of them comes from artisanal manufacturing “Made in Italy”, the other part is manufactured by the “Italian Mama”. Italian cheeses, meats, pastries, antipasti and of course fresh homemade pasta.

Thanks to Henry and Vittorio Belmonte for their hospitality.

Jonathan Choukroun Chicheportiche

VJB Vineyards & Cellars
60 Shaw Ave
Kenwood, CA 95452 p.
707.833.2300
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