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Donati Family Vineyard
TEMPLETON
Like most Italian immigrants, Albino Donati made his own wine for the family
dinner table. The grandfather of Donati Family Vineyard founder Ron Donati
came to America from Lucca, Italy, in 1907, and his belief in making quality
products that were attainable to all inspired his grandson to establish the
Templeton winery in 2007.
The family-run business—today, Ron's son Mark is owner and president—
specializes in Bordeaux varietals, particularly Cabernet Sauvignon and
Bordeaux blends. The versatility of the Paicines AVA allows the winery to also
produce select amounts of Chardonnay, Pinot Blanc, Syrah, and Grenache.
Located in the center of coastal California, a little over an hour from San
Jose to the north and Monterey to the west, the Paicines AVA is in the heart
of California's Greater Central Coast AVA and is open to the direct influence
of the cool ocean air that flows to the San Joaquin Valley. In the afternoon,
Paicines takes advantage of the slight cooling breeze that comes in off the
Monterey Bay, while at night, Paicines is more protected from the evening fog
than much of the surrounding area because of its open location.
The Donati Family Estate Vineyard site enjoys a variety of soils, from limestone
to decomposed granite to clay loam. Hands-on, year-round vineyard
management creates an environment where the grapes themselves can be
left to ripen undisturbed—though active personnel regularly hand-tends the
vines to check for any potential problems. A sustainable approach means that
natural predators and reduced use of pesticides provide a clean, hospitable
FACING PAGE: The Donati Family Vineyard's winery and
tasting room in Templeton, CA.
TOP: Founders Ron and Alexis Donati enjoying life at the
winery.
Photographs courtesy of Donati Family Vineyard, Inc.
SAN LUIS OBSIPO COUNTY
