Altos Las Hormigas

Region: Mendoza     

Farming Type: Biodynamic, Organic

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With a Terroir Project that is centered on the idea that, "the main creative force behind the wine is its place of origin, and not the winemaker," Altos Las Hormigas uses Malbec as the vehicle to convey the unique and diverse nature of Mendoza. They have taken care to define individual 'Terroir units', to map them, and to farm them individually, so the character of each comes through in each distinct wine.

Bodega Goulart

Region: Mendoza     

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Founded in 1915 by Gastau Goulart, a Brazilian military leader in political exile in Argentina, the estate was abandoned several years later when he returned to Brazil to lead the country's Constitutional Revolution. The property was revived in 1988 by the Marshall's granddaughter, and is managed by she and her family today. The replanted vineyards thrive in the unique microclimate of the area, and produce bold, complex wines.

Bodega Ruca Malen

Region: Mendoza     

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With a philosophy that the wines are made in the vineyard first, the founders of Ruca Malen are devoted to understanding the details of the diverse microterroirs they farm along the base of the Andes. The wines are crafted using French techniques, but artfully express each unique varietal and terroir, offering a true Mendozan experience with each sip.  

Boxhead Winemakers

Region: McLaren Vale     

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Born from a collaboration between world renowned winery Hentley Farms and their American Importer Vine Street Imports, the wines are crafted on the Farm from some of the best fruit in Southern Australia. The goal is to produce wines that showcase all of the flavors the region has to offer, at a price everyone can enjoy.

Bolney Wine Estate

Region: West Sussex     

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The first three acres of vines were planted in 1972, making Bolney only the sixth commercial vineyard in England. Since then, they have focused on growing a range of varietals to produce red, white, rose and sparkling wines that have been highly decorated in both national and international competitions. Now under the third generation of leadership, the estate is maintaining its focus on producing the highest quality wines possible with new modern innovations in their winemaking process.

Digby Fine English 

Region: West Sussex     

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Digby is the first pure negociant in England, and is made with fruit sourced from long relationships with some of the best growers of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier in England. The English wine country, stretching from the White Cliffs of Dover, has a unique terroir that is perfect for growing grapes ideal for sparkling wines. Named for a 17th century philosopher, artist, and pirate, Digby is an elegant, and truly English wine, gaining international acclaim.

Harrow & Hope

Region: Buckinghamshire 

Farming Type: Organic Practices 

With the retreat of the Thames over the last half a million years, a slice of English soil has been left behind perfect for cultivating  sparkling wine. The Laithwaite Family have committed themselves to the adventure of growing grapes in this flinty and troublesome soil, and the small family team oversees every aspect of creating their single-vineyard wines. Their process is a tribute to traditional method viticulture and winemaking, hardwork, and good fortune, and continues to produce sparkling wines that rival the world's best.

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Ame du Vin

Region: Provence    

Farming Type: Sustainable Practices, Vegan

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Translating to 'Soul of Wine,' this rose is crafted in the heart of the Côtes de Provence, and is sun-soaked, fruity, and easy to drink and pair. It is crafted with key attention given to sustainability and is certified Vegan.

Champagne Billecart-Salmon 

Region: Champagne    

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Family owned and operated since 1818, this champagne house was founded with the marriage of Nicolas François Billecart and Elisabeth Salmon. Since then, seven generations of family members have continued the tradition of creating exceptional Champagnes, guided by the family motto, "Give priority to quality, strive for excellence".

Champagne Florence Duchene

Region: Champagne

Farming Type: Certified High Environmental Value     

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Coming from French and Filipino origins, and with a significant family history of winemaking, Florence Duchene has a fresh and unique perspective to offer Champagne. She carries out all steps of the vinification process by hand on her four unique wines, with the stated intention of producing wines "in my image - original, exotic, complex and with character."

Champagne Lombard

Region: Champagne     

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Founded in Epernay in 1925, the Lombard House is currently under the direction of Thierry Lombard, the third generation heir. "The environment is of great importance in the winemaking process: the grape varieties live and grow in typical soils, and for each of them the Lombard House strives to unveil their identity most accurately."

Château de la Jousseliniere

Region: Loire Valley    

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Winemaker Gilbert Chon and his sons cultivate 60 hectares of vines and craft their wines with the utmost respect for ancestral techniques, based on almost three centuries of tradition. Their light, crisp wines are considered by many as 'the perfect oyster wine,' even featuring an oyster on the label.

Château Maylandie

Region: Languedoc-Roussillon

Farming Type: Certified Sustainable   

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This estate in the heart of Corbières has belonged to the Maymil family since 1920. In more recent years they have welcomed modern additions to their traditional methods in the vineyards and the cellar. Yields are kept small to maintain the high quality of their wines, and vinification methods are varied between traditional and modern, depending on the varietal and type of wine desired. 

Château Ollieux Romanis

Region: Languedoc-Roussillon

Farming Type: Chemical Free, Vegan   

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The estate was first planted under vine in the 11th century, but the winery was officially founded in 1868, and has been under the ownership of a single family since. Through a tumultuous history, the estate stayed true to its standard of quality and its loyalty to growing the Carignan grape, as well as a wide range of other varietals. Today, the estate is one of the largest privately owned wineries in Corbières, and is working toward 100% organic farming.

Château Pas-du-Cerf

Region: Provence    

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Since 1848, eight generations of the Gualtieri family have led the vineyards and winemaking at Pas-du-Cerf. On the estate, eighty hectares of vineyard revel in La Londe's Mediterranean climate, and are surrounded by over 700 hectares of pristine nature in the heart of the Maures forest.

Damien Lorieux

Region: Loire Valley

Farming Type: Sustainable Practices 

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The estate was founded by Lucien Lorieux in 1976 with just two ha of vines, but increased to 11.5 ha in 2004. The estate is now managed by the third generation, Damien Lorieux, who returned in 2005 from an education in Bordeaux. The vineyards are nestled in the heart of the Bourgueil appellation, and the vines, exclusively Cabernet Franc, grow on south-facing hillsides overlooking the Loire River. Their sustainable methods are a blend of technology and tradition that are varied according to the unique conditions of the year and the characteristics of the grapes.

Domaine de Joÿ

Region: Côtes de Gascogne   

Farming Type: Certified High Environmental Value Level 3 

Established in 1927 by a Swiss family who fell in love with the land, the founders sons were inspired to depart from their mixed farming to devote themselves fully to the cultivation of grape vines. With great care and attention, they explored the history of the domaine and examined the characteristics of the soil to select the perfect location to plant each grape varietal. The Gessler family, now with four generations of experience and tradition, are continuing to craft fresh, aromatic wines in their minimally interventionist style, with an emphasis on white grape varietals. 

Domaine de l'Amauve

Region: Rhône Valley   

Farming Type: Vegan, Certified Organic Farming & Winemaking

Based in the village of Séguret, the Domaine is managed in close contact with nature, with the goal of producing wines that "share a delicate balance of serenity, sensitivity, and passion." The winemaking process is very simple and traditional, and the quality of the wines themselves are attributed by the winemaker to the attention paid to the vines throughout the year. 

Domaine de Malandes

Region: Burgundy     

This family owned estate operates on 29 hectares of land first harvested by the grandparents of the current owners in 1949. The family operates nearly 20 vineyard plots spread through Chablis, and the unique soils and exposure of each plot gives the grapes unique characteristics, and the wines unique personalities.

Domaine de Rochebin

Region: Burgundy    

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In the heart of the Mâconnais, Rochebin cultivates 115 acres of diverse vines, which enables them to grow all of the Burgundy grape varietals. The Marillier family own the estate, and have passed it from father to son since 1921, following a two word philosophy, 'listening' and 'tradition'. They craft 'pleasure wines' meant to drink and enjoy between 2 to 5 years.

Domaine Fouassier

Region: Loire Valley    

Farming Type: Certified Organic and Biodynamic

Established in 1749, Domaine Fouassier is one of the oldest winegrowing families in the Loire Valley. Ten generations have continued the family legacy, and today they are the largest landowners in the Sancerre appellation. While strongly tied to tradition, they use state-of-the-art machinery in the winery, and are passionate about using biodynamic and organic processes in the vineyard.

Domaine Jean-Marie Reverdy & Fils

Region: Loire Valley   

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Jean-Marie Reverdy, his wife, and their two sons manage the family estate, which has been handed down through several generations. The guiding principles of their Domaine de la Villaudiere are, 'patience, perseverance, and precision' which they apply to their management of the vineyards, and their winemaking process. 

Domaine La Madura

Region: Languedoc-Roussillon 

Farming Type : Certified High Environmental Value 

This estate was broken up into a collection of small plots, typical of the region, to allow the vineyards access to a wide variety of terroirs. This exposure to different soils, altitudes, and microclimates creates grapes with a diversity of characters, which are excellent alone, and which mesh well in unique blends.     

Domaine Roux Pere & Fils

Region: Burgundy    

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While the Domaine was founded in 1885 with only 4 hectares of land, the Roux family have expanded their proprietary vineyard holdings to now include more than 70 hectares. Led by the 4th and 5th generations, they are continuing to combine traditions with advanced technology to craft an extensive portfolio of renowned, terroir driven wines. 

Hand Picked Selections

Founded in 1985, this national importer has built a reputation for offering wines full of character and personality from some of the most esteemed wine growing regions in France. 

Producers

Jean-Baptiste Audy

What began as a wine trading company founded in 1903 has become an international network of distribution for wines from some of the best Châteaux in Bordeaux.  They offer a huge selection of wines from five historic Châteaux, as well as from their own family vineyards, making it possible to taste wines you previously couldn't find outside of France.   

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Châteaux

Château Beauregard Ducasse - Graves AOC

Château Chantemerle - Médoc AOC Cru Bourgeois

Château

Du Glana - Saint Julien AOC

Château

Haut Mayne - Sauternes AOC

Château Jeangillion - Entre-deux-Mers AOC

Château

La Croix Chantecaille - Saint Emilion Grand Cru AOC

Château

La Croix du Duc - Lussac-Saint-Émilion AOC

Château

Les Arroucats - Sainte-Croix-du-Mont AOC

Château

Maine Blanc - Blaye-Côtes de Bordeaux AOC

Château Peyruchet - Bordeaux Blanc

Château Sauman - 

Côtes de Bourg AOC

Château Semonlon - Haut-Médoc AOC

Château Tour du Roc Milon - Pauillac

Fleur de Pedesclaux - Pauillac

Maison Brotte

Region: Rhône Valley     

Farming Type: Terra Vitis Environmentally Certified

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The Brotte family have been leading innovation in wine growing in the Rhone Valley since 1931. Now led by the 5th generation, the family manages a number of prestigious estates throughout the valley. All farmed using sustainable methods, they produce wines with the signature style and character of each region. 

The Estates

Martine's Wines 

Martine Saunier was born in Paris, but spent much of her childhood in vineyards near Mâcon, where her fascination with winemaking developed. When she moved to the United States in the 60's, she was dismayed by her struggle to find good French wines, and began to make trips to find the best wines herself. Over the years, she has curated a network of renowned producers, and Martine's Wines is the sole importer in the US for many wineries from France and elsewhere.   

Producers

Mas Carlot

Region:  Rhône Valley    

Farming Type: Certified Organic, Sustainable Practices 

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The Mas Carlot, with buildings that date to the 17th century, lies in the Costières de Nîmes in the southern Rhône Valley. The original manor and farmhouse were carefully restored in 1986 by Paul and Danielle Blanc. Their daughter Natalie took over the management of the estate in 1998, then passed it to Cyril Marès of the neighboring Mas des Bressades in 2018. Representing seven generations of winemaking tradition and experience, his goal is to produce wine which conveys the history of the estate, the terroir, and his family's passion. 

Mas des Bressades

Region:  Rhône Valley    

Farming Type: Certified Organic, Sustainable Practices 

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Founded by Roger Marès in the 1960s, and managed today by his son Cyril, the estate lies in the Costières de Nîmes, south of the Rhône valley. Regarded as one of the finest domains in the AOC, it is tucked into the Rhône river delta, and benefits from a Mediterranean climate and geology very similar to Châteauneuf-du-Pape. Wines are crafted with a careful balance of modern technology and traditional wine making methods, built from all of the knowledge of this sixth generation wine-making family. 

Montparnasse

Region: Vin de France     

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Both the Brut and Rosé Sec sparkling wines are produced using the classic Charmat process. These wines are a great find for those who love the taste of Champagne, but not the price tag. Because the grapes are sourced from numerous vineyards across the country  and blended in unique ways each year, flavors and aromas are kept consistently fresh, light, and refreshing. Great to have as an aperitif or to accompany hors d'ouvres. 

North Berkeley Imports

North Berkeley imports wines direct from the source - all independent growers and winemakers who respect the land they work on, and create wines representative of the most celebrated wine regions in France. All of the growers use organic or biodynamic methods in their farming and production. Here are their French offerings.

Producers

Terroirs Originels

This collective of artisan-vintners offers exclusively 100% estate-grown, terroir focused wines. The goal of each winemaker is to farm the land sustainably, with limited production, and to emphasize the preservation of each unique terroir. The strength of this guiding philosophy has enabled Terroirs Originels to offer a vast selection of high-quality wines hailing from all the appellations of the Côte Beaujolais and Côte Mâconnais in Southern Burgundy. 

Producers

Carl Graff

Region: Mosel

The Graff estate was founded in 1860 and acquired by P. J. Valckenberg in 1969. All wines are made exclusively from Riesling grapes grown in the steep vineyards of the Middle Mosel, Saar and Ruwer valleys. These accessible wines promise a great value for Rieslings originating in some of the most famous vineyard sites of the Mosel region.

P.J. Valckenberg

Peter Joseph Valckenberg began exporting sustainable German wines in 1786. His wine trading house quickly developed into an international import and export company, which has made some of the best German wines available to the rest of the world. A line of wines was also crafted under the founder's name, offering a high quality selection that fits any price range.

Weingut Johannishof

Region: Rheingau    

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The estate has been under the ownership of the Eser family since 1685, and is now led by Johannes and Sabine Eser of the 10th generation. Their 99% Riesling vineyards yield a huge variety of wines, due in part to the diverse terroir of the growing region along the Rhein River, and in part to their specific selection of fruit for their dry, semi-dry, late-harvest, and VDP designated wines. 

Weingut Schloss Saarstein

Region: Saar

The estate's ten hectares of vineyards are perched on steep slopes overlooking the Saar River, requiring a small and dedicated team to tend to them by hand. This is the way the vines have always been managed, and this same care has been applied to the maintenance of the Castle Saarstein, where the winery is located, where winemaker Christian Ebert was raised, and where he has raised his three children. Passion for history and tradition guides the winemaking and management of this estate, and Ebert chooses grapes from the oldest vines to craft his Rieslings as 'real Saar wines'.

Antica Fratta

Region: Franciacortia DOCG    

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The ancient cellars in the estate were renewed to their original glory in 1979, marking the rebirth of the estate's aspirations to become the "essence" of Franciacorta. In a word, Franciacorta is a wine, a region, and a method. Considered Italy's finest sparkling wine, Franciacorta is held to strict rules for production to guarantee wines of the finest quality, of which Antica Fratta produces some of the most highly decorated. 

Antoniolo

Region: Piedmont    

Farming Type: Organic Practices

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Nestled in the foothills of the Alps, this family owned winery was established in 1948, and has developed a reputation for producing celebrated wines from the Nebbiolo grape. Led by several generations of strong women, current winemaker Rosanna Antoniolo has been called the most dynamic winemaker in Gattinara. The continuing focus is on preserving the region's history in wines that only get better with age.

BiancaVigna

Region: Veneto    

Farming Type: Organic Practices

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This family owned winery strives for a balance in its practices, using minimally invasive and traditional methods in its vineyards, and modern technology in its cellars. They say they know every inch of the hills between Conegliano and Pieve di Soligo, where their vineyards lie, which helps them to create Prosecco that expresses the very best of the terroir. 

Bricco Giubellini 

Region: Piedmont    

Farming Type: Certified Organic

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The winery was started in 2002 by two city folks inspired by a dream, a passion for wine, and a love of the Langhe area. The winery has grown over the years with the learned joys and struggles of wine production, and now makes about 4,000 bottles annually of Barolo, Dolcetto d’Alba and the Langhe Rosso “Eresia”. Very involved in environmental stewardship and the community, the winery supports the local Monforte soccer team, the Barolo Boys.  

Campodelsole 

Region: Emilia-Romagna    

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The headquarters of the winery is a modern, architectural experiment into what a wine "cellar" can be, blending technology with the tradition of winemaking. The winemaking strategy is distinctly modern, but only accentuates the art and wisdom of the process, creating wines that are meant to be true representations of their origin.  

Cantina Sassarini

Region: Liguria    

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Inspired by the work of local families in the Cinque Terre to produce wine for their own enjoyment, Natale Sassarini founded the Cantina in 1968 with the goal of sharing this artfully made wine with a larger audience. A group of locals were assembled to build the cellar, plant the vines, and tend to the vineyards set high on steep coastal cliffs.  Sassarini has become one of the largest and most important wineries in the region, and is managed today by Natale's son Giancarlo.

Carpineto

Region: Tuscany    

Farming Type: Sustainable Practices

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In 1967 the founders set out to revitalize the wines being produced in the Chianti Classico region. By modernizing viticultural and winemaking practices, they started to make very popular wines of much greater quality than the current standards. Now, the next generation is in control and is continuing to use modern, earth-friendly practices to craft wines that are passionate, elegant, and age-worthy.

Casa Vinicola Pietro Nera

Region: Lombardy    

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Due to the steep slopes on which the vineyards rest, work is almost exclusively manual, leading to the description of Valtellina viticulture as 'heroic'. From this hard labor and detailed care of the historic vineyards, the Nera family have produced highly acclaimed wines since 1940. 

Cesari

Region: Veneto    

Farming Type: Sustainable Practices

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In 1936, Gerardo Cesari founded the winery with the goal of crafting Amarone that could compete on the world stage. Achieving great success in the export market, as one of the first Italian wines to reach all 5 continents, Cesari was joined by his son in the 1960's and the pair continued to modernize their techniques. Now, they craft a variety of appellation wines renowned for their authenticity and regional character.

Also Produced by Cesari

Chiara Condello

Region: Emilia-Romagna    

Farming Type: Organic Practices

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Condello's winemaking philosophy is one of emphasizing uniqueness - paying respect to the terroir of her old vine Sangiovese vineyards in Predappio, and the unique characteristics of each growing season, using minimal manual intervention for the vines and all organic practices. Her vinification methods are focused on preserving natural diversity, through the use of indigenous yeasts, minimal temperature control, long maceration times, and no filtration. This respect is self-evident in the wines, which are simultaneously considered classic, elegant expressions of Sangiovese, and, 'a new generation.' 

Ciacci Piccolomini d'Aragona

Region: Tuscany    

Farming Type: Organic Practices

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With a tumultuous ownership history dating back to the 17th century, the estate was willed to its farmer, Giuseppe Bianchini, following the death of countess Elda Ciacci in 1985. Giuseppe was the first to envision that the estate could produce high quality Brunello at a larger scale, and put his dream into motion. The Bianchini family still manage the property today, and produces a line of wines that are considered the archetypal expression of the land and the varietals of Montalcino.  

Col Sandago

Region: Veneto

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Col Sandago is nestled in the hills of the D.O.C.G. Conegliano 

Valdobbiadene region, considered one of the most important sparkling wine producing districts in Italy and the world. Wildbacher is the wine that sets Col Sandago apart. This varietal has a rich history in Italy and around the world, and the name literally translates to "wild, unbridled streamlet." The originally unpopular varietal gained acclaim with the help of winemaker Martino Zanetti, who first discovered rows of the grapes planted in the vineyards of Col Sandago, and worked to help discover its full expression. 

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Contratto

Region: Piedmont

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Contratto was founded in 1867 and is the oldest producer of Metodo Classico sparkling wine in Italy, at one point supplying both the Vatican and the Italian royal family. Today, the original cathedral cellars are designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The present focus is on sparkling wine production, along with an array of spirits whose recipes were originally crafted in the 1930's.   

Cottanera

Region: Sicily

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Growing grapes in the volcanic soils in the shadow of Mount Etna is no easy feat, but the Cambria family are fit for the challenge. Their goal is to create wines that express the wild nature of their growing location, while also developing the well-balanced aromatic character of wines from this territory. They do this through farming practices that respect the land and traditions, and through employing whole Sicilian families to tend the vineyards, almost exclusively women, who "have the right gentleness" to do the work. 

Donelli

Region: Emilia-Romagna

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Adolfo Donelli founded the estate in 1915,  focused on producing Lambrusco, the signature sparkling red wine of the region that shares its name. His wines have garnered international acclaim from the beginning, and are still crafted with many of the traditional methods, blended with new innovations. 

E. Pira e Figli | Chiara Boschis

Region: Piedmont

Farming Type: Certified Organic 

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The Pira family were influencial winemakers in Barolo dating back to the 17th century. With the end of the lineage in 1990, the estate was passed to the Boschis, another family with a long tradition of producing noteworthy Barolo. Chiara Boschis was one of the first female Barolo producers, and today manages the estate with her brother. Using organic and 100% manual methods in the vineyards, and a balance of innovation and tradition in the cellar, they are continuing to produce elegant and sophisticated wines on their "great small farm". 

Filodivino

Region: ​Le Marche

Farming Type: Certified Organic 

In the vineyards, work is done to let nature be the ultimate influence on the grapes, with the goal of growing healthy grapes that do not need any intervention in the winery. The winemaking process is a combination of tradition and innovation, incorporating years of experience in both spheres to craft clean, meticulous wines that vary with every vintage.

Giovanna Madonia

Region: ​Emilia-Romagna 

Giovanna's grandfather was the first in the family to cultivate grapes, but it was her father who really established the family's reputation with his election as the President of the Consortium of the Wines of Romagna. In 1992, Giovanna began to plant new vines on the property, starting another chapter for the Madonia estate. All of the wines are aged in the original cellars, located in the family's 18th century villa, and are known for their strong expression of the character of the fruit and the landscape of Bertinoro.

Indigenous by Giorgio Rivetti

Farming Type: Chemical, Herbicide & Pesticide Free​

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Personally curated by Giorgio Rivetti, winemaker and founder of Indigenous Selections, this line is a collection of wines from some of Italy's best wine regions and grape varieties. All of the wines are produced by small, family-owned vineyards who emphasize quality over quantity, and winemaking practices that let the natural terroir shine through. 

Isole e Olena

Region: Tuscany    

Farming Type: Sustainable Farming Practices

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The estate, purchased by the De Marche family in the 1950's, is a combination of the 'Isole' and 'Olena' estates, each dating back hundreds of years. Fourth-generation winemaker Paolo De Marchi crafts wines with the goal of honoring the history of the land, and its terroir; these wines are consistently considered the benchmark for all of the Chianti Classico region. 

Kellerei Kurtatsch

Region: Alto Adige 

Farming Type: Sustainable Farming Practices

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The vineyards grow perched on steep mountainous slopes between 220-900 m in altitude, in and around the village of  Cortaccia (Kurtatsch). These conditions, and the extremely complex soil composition and microclimate, are unique in Europe, and provide a huge variety of terroir in a small geographic area. A collective of 190 members cultivate the 190 hectares of vines sustainably by hand, and have meticulously studied the characteristics of each vineyard to craft the truest expression of each varietal and terroir.

La Battagliola

Region: Emilia-Romagna    

Farming Type: Sustainable Practices

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Alberto Salvadori inherited La Battagliola, a beautiful country house in Piumazzo in the Modenese plains, from his mother in 1999. He immediately left the logistics business to become a farmer, and planted the estate with 70,000 vine cuttings of Lambrusco Grasparossa. A combination of traditional and modern methods are used in the winemaking process, which is focused on safeguarding the lively nuances of the wine, rather than intervening in its natural progression. All of La Battagliola's offerings are simple, bright, and lightly sparkling, with dark berry notes and very low alcohol. 

La Spinetta

Region: Piedmont, Tuscany    

Farming Type: Sustainable, Biodynamic Practices

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The central philosophy is that the vineyards, comprised of 100% indigenous grape varieties, should receive the utmost care and respect.  Winemaker Giorgio Rivetti aims to let the land and the grapes speak for themselves, by limiting production quantities and using minimally invasive methods in the farming and winemaking processes. 

Le Regnaie 

Region: Tuscany    

Farming Type: Certified Organic 

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The winery was established in 2003 by the Campinoti Family. The 28 acres of vineyards in the estate are divided into three distinct parcels of land throughout Montalcino, which allows for the production of three diverse ‘terroirs’ of Brunello. All of the grapes from each vineyard are paid meticulous attention throughout the winemaking process, to produce a line of very unique Brunellos. 

Licataa 

Region: Emilia-Romagna   

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Multi-platinum artist Raekwon the Chef has created a new standard in luxury with Licataa sparkling wine. Inspired by his love of Italian culture and cuisine, he sought out Cantine Ceci, a family-owned winery with 80 years of history to produce a rich, bold, sparkling red wine. Situated in the rolling hills outside Parma, Italy, Cantine Ceci farms in the traditional way, with vineyards planted to catch the sun, carefully monitored throughout the growing season before each grape is harvested by hand at the perfect moment of ripeness.

Lionello Marchesi

An industrialist-turned winemaker, Lionello Marchesi pursued his passion for winemaking through the acquisition of three estates in Tuscany. After extensive restoration of the historic estates, including a monastery dating back to 1000 AD, these sites now produce impactful wines focused on the unique territories they inhabit, and their varietals. 

The Estates

Malvirà

Region: Piedmont    

Farming Type: Organic Practices

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Malvirà was founded in the 1950's by Giuseppe Damonte, who saw the then-undiscovered potential of the Roero to become a significant grape-growing area. Today, it is managed by his two sons and their families, who produce wines from 100% estate grown grapes from their six organically farmed vineyards.

Marc DeGrazia Selections 

In 1980, Marco de Grazia offered his first wines from a handful of estates in Tuscany and Piedmont. Before this time, fine Italian wines from small growers were virtually unknown outside of Italy. The portfolio has been significantly expanded since, to include producers from all of Italy's best winegrowing regions, with priority placed on wines made with indigenous varietals and grown using sustainable/natural viticulture.

Producers

North Berkeley Imports

North Berkeley imports wines direct from the source - all independent growers and winemakers who respect the land they work on, and create wines representative of the most celebrated wine regions in Italy. All of the growers use organic or biodynamic methods in their farming and production. Here are their Italian offerings. 

Producers