Regusci Winery Review — The Americana Post

The experience of Regusci’s winery begins the moment you head down its long rustic drive. I had to pull over as soon as I reached the picturesque rows of vines with colorful, ripe grapes just aching to be plucked. Look up the majestic hill to a 143 year old stone cellar crowning its ridge. The word “charming” is an understatement for the Regusci Estate. Located outside the tasting room’s front doors is a farm stand topped with a cute wooden barn and loaded with fruits and vegetables that are grown in Laura Regusci’s garden. These are for sale based completely on a honor system. Talk about trust!

When I walked inside, I was greeted by my charismatic host, Paige Elliott. She didn’t miss a beat in regaling me and my guest with the charming history of the Regusci family’s wine making journey. Anyone who knows me, knows what a history buff I am. Also, if you’ve read any of my previous posts, you’ll know how much I value my lineage and my close knit, Italian-Maltese family. Much of the Regusci family history rings true to the values that my own family holds.

I was seated out on a patio overlooking Napa Valley’s rolling hills, along side the old cellar/ production room built by T.L. Grigsby. It was a glorious, warm day. I almost felt like I was back in Tuscany as I looked across the Valley. Paige patiently sat with us and walked us through each wine with such a thorough knowledge you’d have thought she had produced the wine herself.

Before we get into the sumptuous wines to be found here, lets first talk about the extensive history of the winery and the Regusci family. Terril Grigsby and his wife established the property in 1850 and produced Zinfandel wine. (Fun fact, Zinfandel was the first wine cultivated in California. It was brought by the Spanish missionaries and used for sacramental wine). Grigsby became a wine maker like many of the surrounding residents. Due to a massive crop die-out in the late 1800’s, the depression, as well as Prohibition, Grigsby’s property went into foreclosure. Talk about a streak of bad luck!

However, the Regusci’s were a prime example of a family being in the “right place at the right time.” Gaetano Regusci, a Swiss-Italian, came to California is 1906 and worked his land as a dairy farmer across from the family’s current property. In 1932, following Grigsby’s land-foreclosure, Gaetano took a risky move and cashed in his entire life insurance policy to purchase Grigsby’s property for $22,000. Yet, Gaetano only produced table wine for himself and his family. His son, Angelo Regusci took over for his father in the 1960’s, right in the height of Napa Valley’s revival period. He introduced Cabernet Sauvignon vines to the Regusci property. However, Angelo still did not produce wine. He produced and sold fruit from the farm. In 1996, Jim Regusci convinced his father, Angelo, to create the fist commercial label of wine. They created two labels, an estate Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot which was sold to local restaurants. This started to build consumer interest and a tasting room was opened in 1998. They now produce 6,000 cases for the public to enjoy. It took the family nearly 90 years to product commercial wine. Well… we all know perfection takes time.

Now, for the fun stuff - wine tasting! The wine tasting was accompanied along side some of the tastiest Asiago crackers I’ve ever had. (Please package and sell these at you’re store!!! I need these in my life.)

We began our tasting with their 2017 Zinfandel. This is comprised of 95% Zinfandel, 5% Cabernet Sauvignon and aged 16 months in 60% American Oak and 40% French Oak barrels. To quote Paige, “To taste the oak, put it into American (barrels). To taste the fruit, put it into French (barrels).” Some of the Zinfandel grapes in this wine actually come from the original Grigsby vines. This wine had notes of pepper on the nose with hints of red fruit like raspberry on the palette. Over all an enjoyable wine with a reasonable price tag for the quality. This bottle sells for $65.

Then we marched on to the 2017 Merlot which is comprised of 100% Merlot and aged in 85% French Oak and 15% American Oak. It is very rare to find a wine that is made up of a 100% of one grape variety. Paige conveyed that only 75% of one grape variety is required by law in order to call it a “single variety” wine. The Merlot was bold with hints of tobacco on the nose and dark fruit such as plums and black currant on the palette. This luscious bottle sells for $75.

One of my personal favorites was the 2016 The Elders Cabernet Sauvignon. It’s composition, like the 2017 Merlot is made of 100% of a single grape varietal - 100% Cabernet Sauvignon. This lovely wine is aged 20 months in ONLY American oak barrels. This pays homage to older vintages that were only originally aged in American oak. Surprisingly, for only being aged in oak barrels, this wine remained fruit-forward and did not overpower on the oak taste. This wine is round and robust from beginning to end. Personally, it’s well worth its $90 price tag! This wine is definitely one to savor on a special occasion.

Lastly, the 2016 Patriarch Red Wine pays tribute in its title to all those who came before, adding their legacy to the land that is now Regusci. This blended wine is made of 84% Cabernet Sauvignon and 16% Merlot and is aged in French Oak barrels for 22 months. The bold flavors definitely lives up to the power and prestige implied by it’s name. With a hint of spice and a robust finish, this wine is not for the meek. However, if you like a wine packed with flavor, then this is the one to uncork. The Patriarch sells for $120.

Once you’re done tasting the amazing wines you can venture to the various Instagram worthy spots featuring two vintage trucks on the property - one a colorful green Chevy and the other a little rusty but still boasting with charm of a bygone era. It was also one of the 11 original dairy trucks.

Whether you have a green thumb or not, Laura Regusci’s garden is definitely worth a stroll. It features some of the most colorful tomatoes, peppers, persimmons, strawberries, gourds, pumpkins, squashes and flowers you’ll ever see. With a prior reservation made, you can enjoy your wine tasting on the garden terrace. The property also boasts about 500 olive trees. You can purchase their olive oil in the tasting room for $32/bottle. All produce is above organic quality.

Paige was kind enough to also give us a private tour of the old Grigsby Cellar building. While once a bustling production center, the second floor now has a multi use of barrel fermentation AND private stage/lounge for a concert and hang out. Set across from the barrels are guitars and leather couches that are arranged into a cozy and intimate concert spot. Apparently, Brad Paisley even played a private concert for the family who are lovers of country music. I wish I could have been invited to THAT party. Sigh.

You think that’s cool? Wait until you venture to the top floor of the family’s private hangout. Old wood planked floors are accented by a large, carved wood bar, pool tables and a private stage for even more festivities. Not to mention the views out of the old barred windows are stunning.

The family still actively lives and works on the property, accompanied by some cute goats, a donkey, and a few dogs. Gaetano’s daughter, Isabelle Regusci, is 90 and still lives in a cottage on the property. Proof that red wine helps you live longer?

I highly recommend a trip to Regusci Winery. From their rich history to their stunning scenery to finishing with their perfectly curated wines. Tastings and tours vary from $50 - $100 per person.

Also, if you would like to partake in the Regusci experience following your visit, I recommend their wine club. Wine club releases are in February, April, October and December, so you’ll have plenty of bottles for every occasion. Their Heritage package runs approximately $275-$375 per release which include 3-4 bottles each. Their Founders package runs $475-$575 per release which includes 5-6 bottles each. You’ll also receive a complimentary tasting for four up to 6 times a year. In addition, you and four guests are able to tour the property, once annually. Contact the winery for their Legacy package pricing which includes a customizable order of 12 bottles, priority to member only events, complimentary tasting for six (up to six times a year), and a complimentary tour for six annually.

Book your tasting today at www.regusciwinery.com or by calling (707) 254-0403.

To celebrate the blog Regusci is offering $5 Flat Rate shipping on 3+ Items with code AMERICANA. (Valid through 2029).

CHEERS!