The Spill: Wine news, May 4

Sangiacomo Family announces a series of wines under their own label

The third generation of the Sangiacomo family recently introduced the release of small-production wines grown from the Carneros, Napa and Sonoma Coast regions. They intend to craft the finest wines possible from their estate vineyards while positioning themselves as the best producers of new world California chardonnay, pinot noir and cabernet sauvignon.

'We want to create wines that express our vision through our vineyards,' says Steve Sangiacomo. 'For 50 years our family has grown chardonnay and pinot grapes for some of the finest wineries in California.'

The Sangiacomo family plans to complement their wine offerings with those of their various wine partners.

In addition, the Sangiacomos wanted to honor the family's rich history in Sonoma County, as well as create a legacy for generations to come. 'We're getting to the point where the next generation is coming up, and we thought having our own wine label would be a nice addition to the family business,' says Mike Sangiacomo. 'We love what we do and we now have the opportunity to share our wines at the table.'

Vittorio and Maria Sangiacomo started the family business in 1927 with the purchase of a 52-acre fruit tree ranch. The family's next generation carried the apple and pear business forward, and in the late 1960s converted the fruit orchards to premium grape vineyards. Today, they have over 1,600 estate acres in Sonoma and Napa.

Most of the wines under the Sangiacomo label are sold direct-to-consumer and will be made available in select restaurants. Prices range from $55 to $125 per bottle.

A Big Hit: Sonoma Valley Wine Icon event

On April 6, the Sonoma Valley Vintners & Growers Alliance put on a big show with its annual Signature Sonoma Valley weekend. At one of the weekend's main events, 'Icon,' the Alliance played host to a full house of wine enthusiasts. The event attracted guests looking to sample top wines and add vintages to their own personal collections.

More than 30 sommelier-selected wines were featured at Ram's Gate Winery where guests could taste exclusive wines from six AVAs: Bennett Valley, Los Carneros, Moon Mountain District, Sonoma Coast, Sonoma Mountain and Sonoma Valley.

Top winemakers shared the wines that represented the best in winemaking in the Valley, according to festival organizers. Ram's Gate chef Taylr Behnam cooked up a buffet dinner of locally-sourced dishes designed to showcase the wines. For a listing of the wineries that participated, go to sonomavalleywine.com.

Patz & Hall celebrates its 30th anniversary

Patz & Hall Winery is celebrating a milestone this year with a portfolio of wines and series of events to back it up.

Founded in 1988, Patz & Hall is known for its single-vineyard chardonnays and pinot noirs — wines that are known for their intensity, elegance and complexity.

'It's hard to believe it's been 30 years since we set out to bring our passion and vision to life,' said James Hall, who has made every single Patz & Hall wine since 1988. 'I'm very proud that we've stayed true to our original vision.'

For over three decades, Winemaker James Hall has worked closely with a host of California winegrowers, such as Larry Hyde, George Martinelli, Charlie Chenoweth and Gary Pisoni. Their vineyards are located in the Sonoma Coast, Napa Valley, Russian River Valley, Mendocino County and Santa Lucia Highlands

The winery's upcoming events include:

Annual Lobster Feed at the Sonoma House (May 12)

Media tours of the Sonoma House (May 6, Oct. 7)

Wine Club dinner with 30th anniversary focus (Aug. 18)

Email wine news to businessnews@sonomanews.com.