The Martinelli family has been growing grapes in the Russian River Valley for five generations. The winery was established in 1986, producing wines in small lots from their estate-grown vineyards, some of which are over 100 years old. Total wine production is 8,000 cases. Unique tasting room and gift shop are located in an old hop barn featuring a wide selection of gourmet Sonoma County food products.
While the family has been making wine since the mid-1980s, Martinelli credits Turley for bringing the winery to the forefront of California winemaking. But Turley says the Martinellis aren't just any old Sonoma farm family: "They pay attention to the trends and in fact anticipate them."
The connection is close between Martinelli and Marcassin, Turley and Wetlaufer's label. The Marcassin wines are made at Martinelli's winery near Santa Rosa. Turley's signature is evident on the Martinelli wines, although assistant winemaker Bryan Kvamme does much of the hands-on work. The two wineries even share vineyards, most notably the Martinelli-owned Three Sisters Vineyard on the Sonoma Coast.
