Each wine allows terroir to shine through. Four of the
wines, including chardonnay, sauvignon blanc, merlot
and zinfandel, are sourced from the Sbragia family estate
vineyards. Having recently retired from his post as Beringer's
Winemaster, Ed still maintains a relationship with Beringer as
Winemaster Emeritus but gives his full-time attention to his
family vineyards.
Ed once acknowledged that he prefers big wines with lots of
flavor. The same could be said for how Ed lives and works:
to the fullest and with lots of flavor to make it interesting.
Working closely with what he loves most in his life—his family
and the land—Ed realizes his good fortune. Adam has taken
his place alongside his father as winemaker, while son, Kevin,
works in the cellar during harvest. Adam's wife, Kathy, runs the
vineyard's hospitality while both Ed's wife and daughter, Jane
and Gina, respectively, help out in the tasting room where
weddings and other special events are often hosted.
By creating a legacy for his children, Ed pays homage to his
father every day. Growing up, Gino taught winemaking as
a natural process; that all one needs for good wine is good
land, good grapes and good techniques. Most importantly,
Gino made Ed promise that he would care for his vineyards
and eventually pass them on to his children. The vineyard
around the winery was appropriately named La Promessa, as
a reminder of the Sbragia covenant.
Top Left: The fog rolls into Dry Creek Valley, cooling the winery's fruit.
Photograph by M.J. Wickham
Middle Left: The private event space looks out from the terrace.
Photograph by M.J. Wickham
Bottom Left: The Sbragia family is Adam, Kathy, Siena, Gina, Kevin, Ed and Jane.
Photograph by Jeff Griffeath
Facing Page: Ed and Adam Sbragia take a break in the barreling room.
Photograph by M.J. Wickham
