Winemaking Update
ANDY ROBINSON | WINEMAKER
The vineyards are exhaling after a long, steady harvest. This year’s growing season has been one of balance and patience, with just a few warm days and many cool nights that helped the grapes retain their beautiful structure and freshness. Across much of California, yields were modest, leading to smaller clusters with concentrated flavors and early ripening. Cooler-than-average temperatures stretched harvest into a long, thoughtful process, keeping our team busy and attentive in the vines.
When autumn rains arrived, we took it one block at a time, deciding whether to bring fruit in or open up the canopies to let the vines weather the storm. These careful, deliberate choices define each vintage and remind us that great wine begins with attentiveness and respect for the land.
This season also brought a moment of celebration. Our 2022 Sonoma County Zinfandel was named Wine Spectator’s 2024 Wine Value of the Year in the magazine’s February 2025’s issue. This recognition reflects more than a single vintage. It highlights our enduring relationship with Zinfandel and our dedication to producing wines that honor both place and family. For 130 years, beginning with the first vines planted by Edoardo and Angela Seghesio in 1895, Seghesio has sought to create wines that belong at the table, where stories are shared and connections deepen.
In October, we had the privilege of celebrating this honor at Wine Spectator’s New York Wine Experience, where Seghesio was featured at the Grand Tasting and spotlighted in a seminar among our peers. Recognition like this reminds us that value is not just about price. It is about authenticity, consistency, and the genuine pleasure that comes from opening a bottle that feels true to its origins.
As cooler days and cozy evenings return, we are delighted to share three special wines that reflect the heart of our family and the vineyards that have shaped our story. The 2023 Omaggio, Italian for “homage,” honors our founders, Edoardo and Angela Seghesio, and the generations who followed. This limited-production wine has long been a cherished part of our cellar, and we are thrilled to feature it for the very first time in a club release. Beginning this year, Omaggio will join our annual lineup, giving members the opportunity to experience this meaningful expression of Seghesio’s legacy each vintage. A blend of Sangiovese and Cabernet Sauvignon, it opens with aromas of black fig and dark chocolate-covered cherry, followed by layers of black currant, anise, and toasted caramel. Broad and generous yet balanced by lively acidity, it captures both power and grace.
Our 2023 Saini Farms Zinfandel comes from Dry Creek Valley vines planted in 1926 and reflects a partnership that spans four generations between the Seghesio and Saini families. This expressive Zinfandel offers vibrant red fruit such as cherry and raspberry, woven with baking spice, nutmeg, and cacao. Elegant and refined, it captures the soul of Dry Creek Valley with balance and finesse. We recommend it with seared duck breast and cherry balsamic reduction to complement the wine’s rich fruit and subtle spice.
We are also delighted to bring back a library favorite, the 2020 Pagani Ranch Zinfandel, from one of Sonoma County’s most historic vineyards. The oldest vines at Pagani Ranch were planted in the 1880s, and the resulting wine reflects the meticulous care these vineyards demand. Silky and complex, it shows aromas of sarsaparilla, dried sage, and pastry crust, followed by flavors of purple plum and briary blackberry. Beautifully developed and ready to enjoy now or over the next five years, it pairs wonderfully with tomato-based dishes like pasta with pancetta or wood-fired pizza topped with spicy coppa.
We are extending a special “Member for a Day Pass” this month in the spirit of gratitude and togetherness. Each membership will receive a pass for two, which you can use to expand your party or share with friends or family. It is our way of helping you bring more of the people you love into the Seghesio experience, because wine always tastes better when it is shared.
As we gather around our tables this season with glasses raised and hearts full, we are reminded that Seghesio is more than a winery. It is a family built on connection, heritage, and the joy of sharing moments that matter. Thank you for being part of our story and for making Seghesio part of yours. We invite you to join us in the cellar for our November Club Release event, where we’ll raise a glass together in celebration of the season, our newest wines, and the community that makes Seghesio feel like home.
Salute!
Andy Robinson
