Show 467, March 26, 2022: Piedra Creek Winery, San Luis Obispo Part One

Margaret C Zuench and TJ de Jony of Piedra Creek Winery

Piedra Creek Winery was conceived atop a small knoll in the heart of the MacGregor Vineyard overlooking the beautiful Edna Valley of San Luis Obispo, California.” It was founded in 1983 by the late Romeo Zuench and his wife, Margaret. Margaret continues as Owner with her grandson, T.J. de Jony as Winemaker / Proprietor. Before establishing Piedra Creek Winery as a retirement project Romeo was (for 30 years) an accomplished Aerospace Engineer for Rocketdyne International in Canoga Park.

“In 1984 Piedra Creek Winery became the smallest bonded winery in the Edna Valley, if not the state of California, originally producing only a couple hundred cases of estate sourced Chardonnay.”

“The ultra -small batch wines quickly gained notoriety. The grapes used would not come from a selected vineyard, nor from blocks within vineyards, but rather from only the best sections of the 55 -acre Chardonnay vineyard. The result: only the best fruit would be used to make the finest wines possible.”

“In 1999, San Floriano vineyard was planted and Piedra Creek Winery moved. Three clones of Pinot Noir, two clones of Chardonnay and two clones of Lagrein comprise the San Florian vineyard. The unique and meticulous practice of hand selecting only the highest quality fruit played a fundamental role in the formation of San Floriano vineyard.” Romeo was a pioneer in bringing Lagrein grapes (from Italy’s Trentino-Alto Adige region) to the USA.

Piedra Creek Winery hosts relaxed, intimate tastings on the patio in the middle of their estate vineyard Friday through Sunday, 12 Noon to 3 p.m. For the comfort of all guests advance reservations are a must.

Piedra Creek Winery’s Margaret Zuench and T.J. de Jony are our guests to uncork all that is Piedra Creek Winery.

Show 467, March 26, 2022: Piedra Creek Winery, San Luis Obispo Part Two

Margaret C Zuench and TJ de Jony of Piedra Creek Winery

Piedra Creek Winery was conceived atop a small knoll in the heart of the MacGregor Vineyard overlooking the beautiful Edna Valley of San Luis Obispo, California.” It was founded in 1983 by the late Romeo Zuench and his wife, Margaret. Margaret continues as Owner with her grandson, T.J. de Jony as Winemaker / Proprietor. Before establishing Piedra Creek Winery as a retirement project Romeo was (for 30 years) an accomplished Aerospace Engineer for Rocketdyne International in Canoga Park.

“In 1984 Piedra Creek Winery became the smallest bonded winery in the Edna Valley, if not the state of California, originally producing only a couple hundred cases of estate sourced Chardonnay.”

“The ultra -small batch wines quickly gained notoriety. The grapes used would not come from a selected vineyard, nor from blocks within vineyards, but rather from only the best sections of the 55 -acre Chardonnay vineyard. The result: only the best fruit would be used to make the finest wines possible.”

“In 1999, San Floriano vineyard was planted and Piedra Creek Winery moved. Three clones of Pinot Noir, two clones of Chardonnay and two clones of Lagrein comprise the San Florian vineyard. The unique and meticulous practice of hand selecting only the highest quality fruit played a fundamental role in the formation of San Floriano vineyard.” Romeo was a pioneer in bringing Lagrein grapes (from Italy’s Trentino-Alto Adige region) to the USA.

“It has been said that it doesn’t take a rocket scientist to make great wine…but it certainly doesn’t hurt.”

Piedra Creek Winery hosts intimate tastings on the patio in the middle of their estate vineyard Friday through Sunday, 12 Noon to 3 p.m. For the comfort of all guests advance reservations are a must.

Piedra Creek Winery’s Margaret Zuench and T.J. de Jony continue as our guests to uncork all that is Piedra Creek Winery.

Show 153, January 2, 2016: Winegrower David de Lancellotti, Formaglini Vineyards, Williamette Valley, Oregon

David de LancellottiMaking great wine requires a basic passion for farming. We’ll meet winegrower David de Lancellotti of Formaglini Vineyards.

He produces a very limited supply of hand-farmed Oregon Pinot Noir. David is deeply passionate and faithful to his Italian roots and integrates these Old World learnings and practices throughout his Formaglini Vineyard wine experience.

Following the inaugural and hugely successful 2012 vintage, Formaglini Vineyards of Willamette Valley recently released its 2013 Estate Pinot Noir to great acclaim. Owner and Winegrower, David de Lancellotti, increased production from 100 to 230 cases for 2013 in order to fulfill the growing demand and interest in his Italian influenced wine.

“I am elated at the feedback for our Formaglini wine. While still a young brand, it is so gratifying to know we are creating a respected and sought after wine experience,” shared de Lancellotti.

The other (almost) current release (February)from Formaglini Vineyards is Insieme – 2013 Formaglini Vineyards Cuvee. “This new Formaglini Vineyards wine is aptly named – Insieme – or “together” in Italian. This unique wine is 80 per cent Pinot Noir from our La Quercia block and 20 per cent Lagrein from our Verrazano block. The color is deep from the character of the cult varietal Lagrein and the experience is soulful – a great food wine or a beautiful sipper on its own. We’ve only produced 40 cases of this highly regarded Cuvee.”