One of the oldest wineries in the Russian River Valley [1], Foppiano (12707 Old Redwood Hwy., Healdsburg, 707/433-7272, www.foppiano.com [2]) dates from 1896. Today Foppiano is still making a small list of premium red wines.
Their signature wine is a legendary Petit Sirah, unusual for the area. They’ve also got a great Sangiovese, a Zin, a Cab, and a Merlot under the Foppiano label.
A second label, Riverside, encompasses a few tasty but exceedingly inexpensive varietals that let drinkers on a budget enjoy Foppiano wines.
Inside the farmhouse-style tasting room, enjoy sips of the various vintages. But also be sure to ask for Susan’s recipes; the hospitality director and fourth-generation member of the Foppiano family creates and adapts dishes to match the family wines.
Links:
[1] http://www.moon.com/destinations/california/wine-country/russian-river-valley
[2] http://www.foppiano.com