Summer / Fall 2008

Nichelini Winery

Generations Continue

I visit Nichelini Winery, one of California's most historic wineries with a rich heritage and a tradition of award winning wines. Nestled in the hills east of Rutherford, Nichelini's original Roman press and hand-hewn stone cellar are distinctive features of the visitor area. The press is believed to be the only one still standing at a California winery and that was used until 1956. In 1884, Anton Nichelini, a Swiss immigrant homesteaded the land. Since then, the winery has remained with family members and is now owned and operated by two of his grandchildren and four great grandchildren.

The Winemakers Greg and Justin Boeger are third and fourth-generation Nichelini winemakers. They are known for their traditional style resulting in wines that are full bodied yet have softness, balance and finesse. They are both graduates of U.C. Davis in viticulture, oenology and fermentation science. Greg's experience working in the family winery and his uncle's vineyard as a young boy influenced him to become a winemaker and his son Justin follows in his footsteps.

Nichelini is the oldest family owned and continuously operated winery in Napa Valley. The wines are produced and bottled on site at the Nichelini Cellar.

These include:

Zinfandel Old-vine planted in 1930. Zinfandel has been produced at Nichelini consistently since 1890.

Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Primitivo, Sauvignon Vert: This unique Bordeaux white was planted in the Chiles Valley vineyard in 1946.

The Nichelini Winery picnic area and Bocce court are shrouded under a green canopy of ancient walnut trees. You are invited to escape to this secluded spot for an afternoon, an hour or long enough to enjoy a bottle of superb Nichelini wine. Near the scenic picnic area, you'll find the quaint wine tasting bar where you will be served by a family member.

The winery is located just one mile east of Rutherford and 28 mileswest of Winters at 2950 Sage Canyon Rd. (State Hwy #128) St. Helena, CA 94574 707.963.0717, 800.WE.TASTE e-Mail: nichwine@nicheliniwinery.com www.nicheliniwinery.com Open weekends and most holidays, every Sat & Sun 10:00am to 5:00pm, weekdays by appointment