Carlisle Vineyard
Russian River Valley
Our own estate vineyard was planted in 1927 by Alcide Pelletti on the eastern bench of the Laguna de Santa Rosa flood plain. Both sides of the Laguna were popular for settlement by Italian immigrants in the late 1800s/early 1900s. Today, thanks to families with the last names of Pelletti, Frati, Marcucci, Barbieri, Papera, Mancini, Maffei, Montafi, Bacigalupi, Gambogi, Fava, and Saitone, this area represents “ground zero” when it comes to old-vine Russian River Valley Zinfandel.
As was typical in the early 1900s, Carlisle Vineyard is a field blend consisting of predominantly Zinfandel with a sprinkling of Petite Sirah, Alicante Bouschet, Grand Noir de la Calmette, Tempranillo, Peloursin, and others. In fact, to date, we have identified 43 different varieties. A veritable varietal wonderland!
Carlisle in spring
Before half-ton Macro bins, there were 50 lb picking boxes
Harvest time