A Family Tradition of Land Stewardship
Our History:
Our Italian ancestors moved to Amador County just before the heyday of the famous Gold Rush. The family land near Jackson is still farmed by our cousins, and holds many happy memories in the old barns and olive trees there. Charles Spinetta graduated U.C. Berkeley in 1963 with a degree in forestry, carrying on a family tradition of working with plants and the land. Spinetta Family Vineyards was established in the mid 1970's, and is located on prime grape-growing land bordering the south fork of the Consumnes River in the Shenandoah Valley wine appelation.
Our Cultural Practices:
First and most important, the entire Spinetta family works in the fields. We are very hands-on. Close attention is paid to the health of the vines and the state of all our land - thus, we immediately react to any situation that needs care and prevent potential hazards from occurring. Many beautiful non-mortared rock walls built by Charles' sons enhance the landscape; our cousins run cattle on the land set aside for grazing; and hundreds of double-breasted purple lilacs transplanted from Grandpas old house line our roads. Narcissus, iris, red hot pokers, fruit trees, herb and vegetable gardens, and a sprawling forest surrounding everything make for a beautiful spring flowering.
The grapevines stand securely in fertile decomposed granite soil, and happily bathe in ample sunlight on Southwestern facing hills. We slowly plant more acreage as the old vines mature, and improve our practices with each planting. For example, in the newer vineyards, the plants are spaced differently - an 8 x 10 diamond pattern - to catch more sunlight, receive spraying applications better, and preserve the soil's nutrient cache over the long run. All vines are head trained (instead of trellised), their canes are hedged, and the ground mowed through the growing season. Before and during harvest, we walk the fields every day to see how the weather has affected the ripening and decide the order of picking from our findings. The grapes are hand picked into plastic 1/2 ton bins in the early morning to avoid harmful afternoon heat.
Charles Spinetta Winery:
Our ancestors brought from Italy the ability to enjoy life to its fullest, and the knowledge to make just enough grappa, wine, sausage, and other foods and beverages to enjoy with the family. Charles produced his first bottled wines in the early 1980s. The selection of wines grows along with our vineyards in Shenandoah Valley. We grow Zinfandel, Primitivo, Barbera, Muscats, Chenin Blanc, and other varieties to supplement the needs of the marketplace. Our case production is still very limited, allowing for more attention to make premium red wines for ourselves, and sell grapes and bulk wine to other winemaking entities. Last, Charles' take on farming, "You can only make good wine from good grapes."
Text Copyright 2004 Spinetta Family Vineyards. Used with Permission.