Viansa Winery
In 1989, Sam and Vicki Sebastiani established Viansa as a center for “Italian-style” wines, meaning wines meant to be enjoyed with meals and good company. Viansa has long been the first stop for wine lovers driving in from San Francisco. Its charms and possibilities certainly were obvious to Pat Roney, who bought the property with a group of investors in 2013. The pretty stone walkways through the vineyards up to the ridge-top patio, where you can look out at the amazing view of wetlands that, Pat told me, are home to nearly 3,000 life forms, from birds and fish to insects and mammals.
The fabulous wines we featured:
2012 Sonoma Valley Sangiovese
- Blend of 75% Sangiovese and 25% Primitivo
- Pair with Pizza, roasted meats, tomato sauce pasta dishes
- Enjoy now or hold up to 2023
Tasting Notes: Fragrances of bright cherry, raspberry and currant are accentuated by hints of pepper, spice and vanilla on the palate. Lovely texture and a long finish.
2012 Sonoma Valley Miglior Vino Bianco
- Blend of 90% Vernaccia, 10% Chardonnay
- Pair With: Grilled fish, creamy pasta dishes and roast chicken
- Enjoy now through 2015
Tasting Notes: Citrusy, floral white wine. Flavors of pear and fruit marry together, the finish is crisp and clean and every sip brings Italy just a little closer.
Winemaker's Notes
“The Sangiovese has the Old World character of light body and simple dried fruit flavors, combined with California’s riper color, texture and flavors. It melds the best of the Old World and New World. This Vino Bianco is lighter than a Chardonnay, but heavier than Pinot Grigio. It’s a beautiful white, a crowd pleaser that can satisfy everyone at the table, whether they’re eating a lamb burger, salad, grilled chicken or Dover sole.”
Sonoma County
Pat Roney
Marty Peterson