By Nora Heston Tarte
Viaggio Estate Winery in Acampo is a Central Valley oasis that transports guests from the busy towns and suburban lifestyles synonymous with San Joaquin County to a luxe estate winery that boasts sweeping views of the Mokelumne River, rolling hills, and surrounding walnut orchards—a peek into the property’s history as a walnut farm dubbed Taddei Ranch.
Since 2012, Teri and Larry Lawrence have owned the 23-acre parcel where romance is their specialty. From estate-hosted weddings that take place on expansive, park-like lawns to first dates of residents near and far who come to share their stories over sips of award-winning wines at the tasting room—Vino di Vita—seven days a week, love is always in the air. And when quiet conversations aren’t what you seek, the tasting room pulls you in, with a celebratory atmosphere perfect for groups large or small.
“On a weekend, there is a general excited hustle and bustle, as dozens of patrons stroll the grounds or relax in the tasting room with a glass of wine,” Teri shares. “The doors are usually always flung wide open, allowing the sunshine and fresh air to pour in.”
While the rustic, Italian entrance filled with shrubbery, trees, and pink- and purple-hued flowers make for an inviting space; the wines are the real draw. “Besides our amazing venue that rivals anything in the state, one of the things that sets us apart is that we make single vineyard wines, with no blending of any sort,” Teri explains. “I allow the fruit to become the wine it wants to be, and it makes for very interesting and absolutely delicious wine.”
The gold-medal wines at Viaggio (Italian for “journey”) produced on these young vines are proof this process is working, and fruit from local growers only adds to the unique taste.
The winery’s newest release is a 2013 Old Vine Zinfandel, which Teri predicts to be another gold medal winner. “The grapes are from Kevin Soucie’s vineyard,” she says. “And he is an excellent grower.” To continue bolstering their collection, staff recently planted petite syrah, barbera, and cabernet sauvignon grapes. “Look out 2017,” says Teri.
Coming Up: On June 26, Viaggio will host its quarterly wine club party. “It is always a huge success,” Teri says.
Join The Club: Membership to the Viaggio Estate & Winery’s Wine Club (free with a four shipment annual commitment) includes discounts, free tastings, complimentary access to all areas of the grounds, and invitations to an array of envy-worthy events. Learn more at Viaggiowinery.com/viaggiowinery.
For more information:
Viaggio Winery & Estate
100 E. Taddei Rd., Acampo
(209) 368-1378
ViaggioWinery.com