• It’s a Zinful Family Affair at Bella Vineyards and Wine Caves

    It’s a Zinful Family Affair at Bella Vineyards and Wine Caves

    Bella Vineyards and Wine Caves is a small family run winery that focuses on small lots of Zinfandel. Nestled among the backroads of the Dry Creek Valley, it’s picturesque and intimate setting is certainly worth experiencing. Their tasting room is situated inside their beautiful cave and their wines are full of history.

    During our visit we were fortunate to have the opportunity to tour the grounds and to enjoy a tasting in one of their cave rooms.The tasting was Zinfandel focused and it did not disappoint. Bella Vineyards produces over twenty Zins and we had the opportunity to taste six of them during our stay.

    Our favorite from the tasting was the 2016 Maple Vineyard Zinfandel. We felt that it was a big and bold wine which showcased a beautiful smooth velvety finish. Maple Vineyards, which was established by the Maple Family is now run by David Rafanelli and is considered one of the most recognized Zinfandel vineyards in Sonoma County. A wine that caught our attention as well was their 2016 Soberanes Vineyard Pinot Noir. The wine featured an explosion of fruit on the nose followed by smooth tannins and bright acidity giving it a beautiful sense of elegance. 

    Bella Vineyards was our first stop on our most recent visit to Sonoma County and by the end of our trip we were still talking about our great experience. Next time you are in Sonoma immerse yourself in nature and go cave exploring at Bella Vineyards we think you will discover a gem.