This storied 1860 property is one of the oldest wineries in Sonoma Valley. First known as Madrone Vineyards, the estate was owned by George Whitman, the Hearst family, Enrico Parducci and Peter Domenici. In 1941, Enrico and Peter renamed the property Valley of the Moon. Current owners Dan Zepponi and Tony Stewart bought the property and are championing the renaissance of this historic estate. Winemaker Greg Winter holds a degree in Viticulture and Enology from the University of California at Davis. Greg joined the team in 2006 and works closely with consulting winemakers, Scott McLeod and Tres Goetting. The property spans 60 acres, of which 41 is planted to sustainably farmed old vine Zinfandel, Petite Sirah, Sangiovese and Barbera. These vineyards are uniquely positioned to take advantage of the region’s “banana belt” microclimate – hot, sunny afternoons and cool, foggy evenings. Additional fruit is sourced from select local growers in Sonoma County.

Tasting notes

Aromas of ripe peach, baked pear and sweet vanilla are accented by notes of cinnamon and clove. The ripe fruit and sweet oak flavors are accompanied by just enough bright acidity on the finish to balance the wine’s rich and creamy texture.

Technical notes

(93% Chardonnay/7% Pinot Blanc). Fruit sourced from Russian River Valley and southern Sonoma Valley was whole-cluster pressed and fermented in French and Eastern European oak barrels and stainless steel tanks. The wine aged on its lees for seven months with the majority undergoing malolactic fermentation. The best individual lots were blended and then bottled.