Picchetti Winery

In 1872, the Picchetti brothers, Vincenzo and Secondo, purchased 160 acres on Montebello Ridge, naming it Montebello, and became the first family to plant vineyards in the area, cultivating Zinfandel, Carignane, and Petite Sirah grapes. By 1896, they started making their own wine, becoming early pioneers in California's winemaking industry. Over the years, the property expanded to 500 acres and the family contributed to the community, including building the Montebello School in 1892. Despite challenges during Prohibition, the family-run winery continued to produce distinctive wines until 1976 when it closed. In 1982, the property was restored as Sunrise Winery until 1997 when Leslie Pantling took over, reopening it as Picchetti Winery. Continuing the tradition, she and her family craft around 10,000 cases of wine annually, exclusively available on location, preserving the legacy of the original Picchetti family's winemaking spirit.

(Submitted by Louise C)