----------------------------------------------------
Saracina is a 600-acre bio-diverse property encompassing three ranches located in Hopland, California. With 300 acres in vineyards, the property's openness and unspoiled, yet well-tended beauty, are unique in Mendocino County. The main ranch is home to Saracina Vineyards, a small-production, state-of-the-art winery open to wine club members and guests by appointment, and to the first wine caves in Mendocino County, carved out of solid rock over a two-year period. Reminiscent of the rural character of Napa Valley 25 years ago, the ranches are populated with sheep and goats roaming the hillsides, groves of 100-year-old olive trees, pomegranate orchards, bamboo gardens, hiking trails, a wild azalea canyon, organic vegetable gardens, and four ponds that attract herons, Canadian geese and a myriad animal life. The owners are committed to preservation of the land and the rivers, including the Russian River which runs through one of the ranches - rather than clear-cutting every available acre for vineyards. Award-winning architect Michelle Wempe and noted Bay Area landscape designer Roger Warner have created an East-West fusion aesthetic in the architecture, art and landscaping of the property which balances rusticity with stylish modernism. Saracina was named after a centuries-old farmhouse and vineyards in Tuscany where Owners John Fetzer and Patty Rock spent their honeymoon in the late 1990s.
Saracina Ranch is ideal for the style of winegrowing and creative blending they practice. The vineyards are comprised of 21 distinct blocks, at least a dozen different aspects and numerous soil types. The blocks are either CCOF-certified organic or managed sustainably with a soft approach to nutrients and pest control. In both instances, the blocks are hand-tended and observed to maintain the vigor of the plants. They strive to be winegrowers in the European tradition, understanding that great wines are made in the vineyard. Their varietal wines, as well as their proprietary blended wines, are created in these diverse blocks before the grapes even enter the winery.
Their wines are located here: Order Wine.
----------------------------------------------------
Island of Sardina
Located alone in the Mediterranean, Sardinia is the most different of Italian regions. As is the case in most of Europe, this island's history is replete with the influence of Spain. The island's vines often speak with a Spanish accent as they tell a story that differs from mainland Italy. Moscato and Malvasia are there, but other varieties are unique to Sardinia: Girņ, Cannonau, Nuragus, Monica, Semidano, Torbato and Vernaccia di Oristano.
Winery: Cantine Sardus Pater
Their wines are located here: Order Wine.