The History

Having sold Fetzer Vineyards to Brown-Forman in 1992, former CEO John Fetzer settled into the life of a gentleman farmer, growing grapes organically for a number of wineries in Napa and Sonoma counties.  He replanted several vineyards, continuing the organic farming practices that his family had pioneered in the 1980s.  By 2001, Fetzer was eager to return to winemaking...in a small way.  He and his wife, Patty Rock, envisioned a boutique winery producing no more than 10,000 cases that would showcase the varietals in which Mendocino County excels:  Sauvignon Blanc, Roussanne, Riesling, Syrah, Petite Sirah, Pinot Noir and Zinfandel.  His mission was to highlight the outstanding viticultural traditions of the county and raise the bar for local vinification practices to produce wines that could compete with the finest world wines.

Fetzer consulted with renowned Napa Valley winemaker, David Ramey, who respected Fetzer's credentials in the industry and admired his vision.  David joined Saracina Vineyards as winemaking consultant in 2001 and soon thereafter Sonoma winemaker, Alex MacGregor, came aboard to spearhead the Saracina winemaking program.  Today, this team continues to share a meticulous attention to labor-intensive winemaking protocols and an uncompromising commitment to excellence.

John Fetzer and Patty Rock released their first wine, 500 cases of Sauvignon Blanc, in late 2002.  Despite the troubled U.S. economy and the launch of a new brand in an already crowded field of outstanding Sauvignon Blanc producers, the wine met with critical success and appeared on the wine lists of such notable restaurants as Gary Danko and The French Laundry in California and Gramercy Tavern in New York City.  The wine sold out within a few months.

In 2004, Saracina Vineyards introduced a second brand, Atrea, featuring interesting red and white Rhone blends (Atrea Old Soul Red and Atrea The Choir White) that allow the winemaker to experiment with unusual varietals.  In 2006, Saracina released its first vintages of Syrah and Petite Sirah and in 2008 released its first Zinfandel from the biodynamically farmed Pick and Shovel Vineyard, located above the Saracina wine caves.  In 2009, Saracina will release its inaugural Anderson Valley Pinot Noir.