Nalle Vineyards
Updated: Jan 12
Ambiance
Friendly
Casual
Hidden Gem
No-frills but quality wine.
Situated on an 100+ year old vineyard.
Family owned and operated.
When you go to the winery for a tasting, I bet one of the Nalle family members will be around.
Originally the Nalle’s wanted a wine cave on the property.
Due to restrictions they could not build one.
Instead, they built an above ground cave/wine cellar.
This “cave” has a living roof covered in rosemary.
The barrels inside require no heating or cooling thanks to the living roof.
They call the tasting room a “potato bunker”.
One of Sonoma County’s few above ground caves.
Out back are places to picnic and play horseshoe.
Cost:
Saturday Tasting Fee: $10 for a flight of four wines.
One fee waived for each bottle purchased.
Modestly priced wines ranging from $48 to $60 per bottle.
Appointment Needed?
Thursday & Fridays appointment needed.
Limited hours so be sure to make this winery a priority on your tasting adventure.
Wine Pick
ALL THE ZIN!!!
Balanced.
Not overly ripe.
Seriously drinkable.
Not a heavy or hot zin!
I also purchased their Pinot because it was delicious!
Dog Approved
Yes!
Social Media Worthy
Take a pic by their 90 year old Zinfandel vines.
Planted in 1929 by the winemaker’s great-grandfather during Proibition.
The Nalle gnarly zin vines are works of art.
Feel Good Vibes
I find it fascinating that winemakers/owners back in the 70’s and early 80’s are now passing the baton on to their children.
My generation!!!!
Andrew Nalle, winemaker and now owner of Nalle, is the son of Doug Nalle.
Doug Nalle is Zin Master.
The respect Andrew has for his dad, Doug, is heartwarming.
Wine Nerd Facts
What does it mean to be completely dry farmed?
Nalle is all about dry farming.
Nalle Zin vines are so old that the roots probably go down 25 feet straight to the water table.
In dry farming, farmers rely on the annual rainfall for growing their grapes.
Dry farmed grapes are thought produce more intensely flavored grapes.
Dry farmed grapes are supposed to be smaller and more packed with flavor.
Vines must be planted far enough apart so that they have a chance to extend their roots down far enough to get as much moisture as possible.
Dry farming is a more hands-on farming practice.
France, Italy, Germany and Spain have been dry farming for ages!
The first grapes in CA were dry farmed.
Why did it move from dry farming to predominantly irrigation?
Water can shield emergent buds from frostbite.
AND irrigating produces larger grape yields.
Nalle is committed to never sacrificing quality for quantity.
Wine Club? Fun Events?
This wine club has a secret handshake.
My friend saw it. Secretively. While we were tasting.
I want in on this handshake action!
The wine is delicious and the Nalle family is down to earth.
Why wouldn’t you want to be part of a family owned winery?
Andrew Nalle, winemaker and owner, works hard at all wine events at Nalle.
Sheila’s Tasting Notes
I bought three bottles when I tasted here.
During 100 wineries in 100 days I typically only buy 1.
The wine here was THAT good!!!!
2 Zinfandels and a Pinot.
I dont know what else to say….
I really thought the wine was spectacular.
OH and buy a bottle and then listen to THIS podcast while you enjoy.
I ADORE the story of how winemaker Andrew Nalle met his wife April.
Trust me. April Nalle is an inspiration too!