Balletto Vineyards

“The most important thing to make good wine is to produce good quality berries”

Starting like a farm that only produced vegetables, this field was converted into a vineyard by John and Terri Balletto in 1998. This family has Italian roots (like many Californian vineyards), and is located in the SONOMA COUNTY and precisely in the Russian River Valley.

In 1977, at the age of 17, following the death of his father, John Balletto quit school, gave up a promising career as an athlete (baseball) and embarked with his mother in agriculture.
After four years he acquired the ownership of Balletto. In a few years it will become one of the largest farms in the region with around 283 hectares dedicated to the production of fruits and vegetables as well as 35 hectares of vines.

Initially this vineyard produced only Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Gris. Today and since 2001 (the first vintage of the converted property) Balletto family accompanied by Dan Cederquist (the winemaker) produces nearly 12 different wines. These nectars are from varietals: Pinot Noir, Gewurztraminer, Chardonnay, Pinot Gris, Syrah or Zinfandel.
Of course most of the Balletto Winery wines production is from Pinot Noir. The grapes that are used for wine making represent only 10% of the vineyard, the rest is sold to other winery sector.

On a personal note I would say that with its aspect of hidden barn that is a little lost in rural California this property is a haven of peace, where nature, vineyards and birdsong are real sources of escape. It can be compared to a good relaxing time, to put it in perspective, sitting on the terrace at the foot of the fountain with a glass of wine.

Which is the leitmotif of the property?

The Balletto family, very attached to their land and berry quality is especially committed to “sustainable agriculture” as well as the limitation of polluting the ground products. Not limited to the specifications of this property sustainable agriculture processes and recycles all water used. It also draws much of its energy from solar panels which it is equipped.

Linked to the region of the Russian River Valley known for the quality of its Pinot Noir and Chardonnay’s but also to its will to produce fine wines, the Balletto family always looks for a constant increase in the quality of their wines from these two varieties .

Concerning the name and logo

Well, for the name I guess it’s easy to understand. The logo contemplates a background of the mountains in California, then the plains with planted vines (and vegetables). In the foreground, the character that appears there is a tribute to the first occupation of the family´s agricultural farm. The sheet in the “o” refers to the conversion of the Balleto into vineyards. The blue color serves to highlight the next “natural”, “in touch” environment of this business.

Wine anecdote: A blend of wine & Sport

Something rare enough to be noticed is that this winery has built its own sports field. The owner wanted to combine his two passions – Baseball, and wine – and wanting to create an element of usability for employees and tourists, built a true Baseball field.

Another anecdote, if you go into the vineyard and you hear gunshots do not worry! Nobody is shooting you, it’s just their particular way to scare birds from grapes.

A project?

The property wants to increase their production ca Pinot Noir.
Thank you to the team for the hospitality.

Jonathan Choukroun Chicheportiche
Balletto Vineyards

5700 Occidental Road
Santa Rosa, CA 95401
707.568.2455 Tel.
707.541.0422 Fax
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