Located in Cienega Valley, DeRose Winery was founded on land rich in winemaking history. Since 1854, when French immigrant Theophile Vaché began hauling his wine to market in San Juan Bautista, the property has survived several changes in ownership, a few major earthquakes and the age of prohibition. Prized by generations of vintners for its temperate climate and great soil, it is an ideal location for growing wine grapes.
The DeRose and Cedolini families, whose ancestors have been making wine for over 10 generations, purchased the vineyards and cellars in 1988. Winemaker Pat DeRose rescued 50 acres of abandoned vines from the clenches of tall weeds and thistles, including about 25 acres planted before 1900. All of the vines are dry-farmed in deep sandy-loam soils on terraced hillsides. The winery is now run by the father and son winemaking team, Pat and Alphonse DeRose. Their tasting room is open Saturday and Sunday 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Monday through Friday by appointment. Â
MORE: www.derosewine.com; 831-636-9143
VISIT: 9970 Cienega Road, Hollister
