Welcome To

Geyserville M aybe it was the resolute desire to stay connected to their homeland or perhaps even practicality that brought Ed Sbragia's relatives to beautiful Dry Creek Valley at the turn of the century. The valley's proximity to the Pacific Ocean, 20 miles west, and San Francisco Bay, more than 70 miles south, provides fog and a maritime influence that gives the valley a moderately cool climate similar to their Tuscan homeland. These influences would yield the type of grapes to which they were accustomed in their supple, balanced, flavorful Italian wines. After the end of Prohibition, Ed's grandfather resettled in the Italian/Swiss colony in Asti to perfect his knowledge of winemaking and to purchase land. That knowledge passed to his son, Gino. In the 1940s, through his hard work and diligence, Gino bought land upon which to plant vineyards and build a home. It is that same house where Ed raised his family, and where his son Adam is now starting his family with his wife, Kathy, and baby daughter, Siena. Although Ed had inherited a passion for winemaking, it didn't immediately reveal itself. After a bachelor's degree in chemistry poised him for a career in science, Ed changed his mind, receiving a master's in winemaking from the University of California. He began a successful and highly respected career with Beringer in 1976. In 2001 Ed created his own label, Sbragia Family Vineyards, making limited, individual lots of wine from grapes grown in select blocks of his favorite vineyards. He insisted that all of his wines be single-vineyard lots, made from Dry Creek, Napa, Sonoma and Alexander Valley fruit. Top Left: From Warm Springs Dam, Sbragia Family Vineyards is ready for action. Photograph by M.J. Wickham Middle Left: The tasting Room and gift shop is a good place to start. Photograph by M.J. Wickham Bottom Left: Sbragia wines are prepared in the reserve tasting room. Photograph by M.J. Wickham Facing Page: Sbragia Family Vineyards enjoys a comfortable setting in Dry Creek Valley. Sbragia Family Vineyards Sbragia Family Vineyard G E Y S E R V I L L E SONOMA VALLEY

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