History of Seghesio Family Vineyards
The history of Seghesio Family Vineyards began in 1895, when Edoardo Seghesio, an Italian immigrant from Piedmont, planted his first Zinfandel vines at the Home Ranch Vineyard in Alexander Valley. Edoardo’s ambition was to bring the robust winemaking traditions of Italy to California’s fertile soils. His efforts laid the foundation for the family’s legacy of producing high-quality wines, particularly Zinfandel.
During Prohibition, the family adapted by producing sacramental and table wines, preserving the vineyards through challenging times. In the mid-20th century, Edoardo’s son, Angelo Seghesio, expanded the winery's holdings and introduced innovative vineyard techniques. By the 1990s, Seghesio was recognized as one of Sonoma’s premier Zinfandel producers, with their old-vine vineyards producing wines of exceptional character and depth.
Today, under the stewardship of the fourth and fifth generations, the Seghesio family combines their heritage with sustainable practices, ensuring the vineyards continue to thrive. The winery’s inclusion in the Crimson Wine Group since 2011 has enabled continued growth while maintaining its family values and traditions.
Region and Vineyards
Seghesio’s vineyards span 300+ acres across Sonoma County, encompassing appellations such as Alexander Valley, Dry Creek Valley, and Russian River Valley. These regions provide a range of microclimates and soils that allow for a diverse portfolio of wines, though Zinfandel remains the flagship.
The historic Home Ranch Vineyard in Alexander Valley is the heart of Seghesio’s identity. Planted in 1895, it features some of the oldest Zinfandel vines in California, still producing small, concentrated yields with remarkable intensity. The Montafi Vineyard in Russian River Valley, planted with 94-year-old Zinfandel vines, further demonstrates Seghesio’s commitment to preserving heritage sites.
The terroirs range from the gravelly loam soils of Dry Creek Valley, which provide excellent drainage, to volcanic and sandy soils in other regions, each contributing unique characteristics to the wines. The cool Pacific breezes temper the heat, resulting in wines that balance ripe fruit with refreshing acidity.
Sustainability is integral to Seghesio’s approach, with all vineyards Certified Sustainable. Practices include planting cover crops, eliminating synthetic herbicides like glyphosate, and fostering biodiversity through natural predator habitats.
Wine Range
Seghesio Family Vineyards offers a diverse portfolio of wines, including:
- Seghesio Sonoma Chardonnay: A modern take on California Chardonnay, offering vibrant acidity, rich citrus and stone fruit flavors, and a hint of oak for added complexity.
- Seghesio Sonoma Zinfandel: A flagship wine showcasing the bold and juicy character of Sonoma Zinfandel, with wild blackberry, savory spices, and a long, persistent finish.
- Seghesio Old Vines Zinfandel: Made from vines averaging 75 years of age, this wine delivers concentrated wild berry flavors, subtle spices, and velvety tannins, reflecting the power and elegance of old vines.
- Seghesio Cortina Zinfandel: A Dry Creek Valley classic with vibrant blue fruit, delicate spices, and an elegant structure, showcasing the gravelly loam soils that define the vineyard’s terroir.
Did you know?
Seghesio Family Vineyards has been instrumental in preserving California’s old-vine Zinfandel vineyards, ensuring these historic vines remain productive for future generations. Their focus on Zinfandel has helped elevate its status, showcasing the variety as one of the most iconic expressions of Sonoma terroir.
