Avio Vineyards Tasting Room
Stefano Watson and his wife Lisa are in the eighth year of producing wine at their winery, Avio Vineyards, located on Ridge Road in Sutter Creek, Ca. Wine making is “all about the journey of the grape,” says Stefano. “I love being out in my vineyards. My favorite time of year is when I am working with the vines, pruning them,” he added. Stefano hand crafts his wines to be complex, yet easy to drink with an easy finish to suit his palate. Examples of some of his delicious wines include his Maximus, a Super Tuscan and his Barbed Wire Red (a very approachable blend of Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon & Merlot).
However, the grapes’ journey starts in the vineyards of this 80 acre winery, of which 30 acres are planted. This winery’s location boasts both a truly unique soil and an extremely favorable climate in which to grow grapes. “Our winery is located on a ridge which contains a rare type of soil in California called, ‘Supan Cobbly Loam’ which is the result of deposits of smooth rocks and mud flows from four retreating glaciers dating back over 10,000 years,” explained Stefano. This soil is perfect for grape growing as the water drains extremely well away from the grapevines’ feet (roots) which is good for quality fruit production and ultimately wine making.” Moreover, this south facing ridge at 1,850 foot elevation is also blessed by a climate unlike its neighboring Shenandoah Valley as this ridge cools off in the evenings with a breeze even in the Summer time. This allows Stefano to grow the only estate grown Pinto Grigio in Amador County. He also has a Cabernet Sauvignon vineyard that does quite well on this ridge for the same reason. You will also find some other varietals common to this appellation including Sangiovese, Zinfandel, Syrah, Aglianico and Orange Muscat.
Stefano Watson, owner & winemaker at Avio Vineyards
“The harvest and crush of the grapes are also critical to the final product,”says Stefano. “We press very lightly and use gravity in the fermentation process wherever possible in an effort maximize the grapes’ good tannins and flavor while minimizing astringency and bitterness. To no one’s surprise the grapes’ journey ends in one of Stefano’s wine glasses which he and Lisa share as they enjoy a commanding view of the scenic Sierra foothills perched on top of their ridge. For more information about Avio Vineyards and its wines check out their website at
www.aviowine.com .
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