The Russian River Valley is uniquely suited to the challenging yet rewarding Pinot Noir grape. The cool climate and evening fog allow for an extended growing season and the opportunity for Pinot Noir to reach its full flavor potential.

Producer

After 50 years in the wine industry, wine is still an inspiration for me. Every vintage brings an anticipation and excitement. After all, it’s a new birth. When I discovered Pinot Grigio in Italy, I was taken by its fresh aromas, its crispness, freshness and the way it paired effortlessly with foods. It was virtually unknown when I brought it to the United States in 1979. Not surprisingly, an entire nation of wine drinkers embraced Pinot Grigio for the same reasons I did. Today Pinot Grigio is the most requested wine in fine restaurants, and Santa Margherita Pinot Grigio is the quality leader for the varietal. The U.S. was introduced to a new wine, as well as a new level of quality from Italy. I still feel about it today the same way I did the first time I tasted it. The Syrah from the Rhone Valley, dense, rich and aromatic, immediately captured my fascination as well. It was a wine that could stand alongside the best of another classic, Cabernet Sauvignon, because the taste profiles were similar: dense, rich and aromatic. We have fashioned our Syrah along those same lines. Of course, like most wine lovers, I’ve had a lifelong love affair with Bordeaux, the aristocracy of red wines, a blend of classic varietals: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Malbec and Petit Verdot. Angels’ Peak is the first of three blends we will introduce. When we decided to become vintners, our winemaking team found the right soil, and climate conditions that suited our needs. We planted some vineyards, bought others and Terlato Family Vineyards was born. It is small venture, but a sincere tribute to the wines and winemakers who have inspired us for decades. My regard for these winemakers is as artists and dreamers. I know this is true because now as a winemaker myself. I want Terlato Family Vineyards to stand among the finest wines in the world, with those crafted by my friends.