Sonoma’s Premier Wine Growing and Winemaking Family, the Sangiacomo Family, honor 50 years of cultivating Green Acres “Heritage Block” Chardonnay
Sonoma, CA, July 16, 2019 – Planted in 1969 by the second generation of the family, July 16 marks the 50th anniversary of the original block (“Heritage Block”) of Green Acres Vineyard – the first vineyard planted by the Sangiacomo Family. What began as an idea to evolve the family business during the decline of the pear industry, this vineyard has grown into one of the most sought-after Chardonnay sites in California’s Wine Country. Known for the distinctive character, high quality and intensity of the grapes, this vineyard is one of the most prized by both the Sangiacomo Family and winemakers in the region. Certified sustainable and the source of grapes for more than two dozen wineries, the greatest number of Sangiacomo-designated Chardonnays are made from Green Acres Vineyard, with 56 wines achieving 90+ ratings over the years.
Photo credit: Travis Watts Photography
“Our family is proud to be celebrating 50 years of farming wine grapes in Sonoma County. To honor this milestone, we gathered family and staff together to celebrate amidst rows of old vines, sharing stories of the past and our inspiration for the future. The Heritage Block represents more than just 50-year-old grapevines – for all of us, it’s a reflection of the hard work and dedication of our ancestors and the generations that have come before us. My Brother, Sister and I are excited about what the next 50 years will bring.” Said Steve Sangiacomo, third-generation Partner, who along with his brother Mike, and sister Mia are running the family farming business with a vision of the future.
The Heritage Block – five acres of original 1969 grapevines – represents the heart and soul of the Sangiacomo Family; a testament to the family’s history and their continued devotion to farming. Planted on St. George rootstock with Old Wente clone, Saintsbury Winery has made a Heritage Block designate wine for over 20 years. The Sangiacomo Family will introduce a commemorative bottling to honor the second generation of their family using grapes from this block, the 2018 ‘Four Siblings’ Chardonnay, which will be released under their own label in Spring 2020.
Bordered by Sonoma Creek on the east, with Fowler Creek running through the middle, the Sangiacomo Family savors the developed flavor and honors the historic value of their faithful Green Acres vineyard. Settling in Sonoma in 1927, the Sangiacomo Family transitioned their farming business from pears to grapes in the late 1960s. They worked tirelessly to amend the soil, find the right match of rootstock and clones and optimize the land for grape growing. With Sangiacomo Family Wines 2016 Green Acres Chardonnay receiving a 95-point rating from Wine Enthusiast and a 92-point rating from Wine Spectator, it is safe to say that their hard work is paying off. Green Acres Chardonnay embodies the true taste of Sonoma – a crisp and refreshing wine with balanced acidity, flavors of pineapple, Asian pear, white peaches and lemon curd with hints of orange blossoms and honeycomb.
A multi-generational business, the Sangiacomo family entered the wine industry as premium grape growers, harvesting the fruit for more than 50 prestigious wine labels for over half a century. Evolving the family business from farming to now both growing wine grapes and making wine, is Steve, Mike and Mia Sangiacomo. Born from the pursuit of crafting the finest wines from their collection of vineyards, the third generation of the Sangiacomo family launched the Sangiacomo Family Wines label last year. Each Sangiacomo wine is a history book of beloved vineyards, favorable terroir, clonal selections, and meticulously harvested fruit.
Read more about the Sangiacomo Family and their certified sustainable wines on their website (http://sangiacomowines.com). Sangiacomo Wines are available for purchase through their mailing list. To stay up to date on Sangiacomo Family Wines, follow them on Facebook and Instagram.
About Sangiacomo Family Wines
Settling in Sonoma County in 1927, the Sangiacomo Family planted their first grapes in 1969. A family of farmers who have been harvesting grapes for over 50 world-class wineries, the third generation of the Sangiacomo Family has ventured into a new branch of the business – producing their own premium wines. Using the finest grapes from their collection of 14 vineyards, Sangiacomo Wines embody the family tradition; the history of their fruitful vineyards, the favorable terroir of the land, the careful selection of clones and meticulous harvesting of fruit. Produced in limited quantities, Sangiacomo Wines are available to members of their mailing list. Earning a 100% sustainable certification for all their vineyards from the California Sustainable Winegrowing Alliance (CSWA), the Sangiacomo Family is mindful of the fact that the decisions made today impact not only the environment but the future of the industry and their beloved heritage.
