2024 · Gewurztraminer

Balletto Vineyards is a family-owned Sonoma producer founded by John and Terri Balletto, whose estate vineyards span the Russian River Valley’s Sebastopol Hills, Santa Rosa Plains, and Laguna Ridge. The family transitioned from vegetable farming to winegrowing and now focuses primarily on estate-grown Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Their farm-forward approach includes hand-tended vines, cover crops, composting, habitat management, water conservation, and avoidance of glyphosate; the estate is described as Certified California Sustainable. Winemaker Anthony Beckman works alongside John Balletto, favoring indigenous yeast, small fermentation tanks, restrained new French oak, and wines marked by elegance, balance, natural acidity, and site expression. Maritime fog, coastal wind, varied soils, and multiple vineyard microclimates shape the wines, while the family remains closely involved in farming, winemaking, and community life.