Papapietro Perry Winery
Sonoma County region
Located in the picturesque Dry Creek Valley of Sonoma County, Papapietro Perry specializes in handcrafted, small-lot Pinot Noirs from the best vineyards in the region.
Like many successful wineries, Papapietro Perry Winery was born in a garage. Following the start of the garagiste movement in Bordeaux, a handful of friends in San Francisco began making small batches of Pinot Noir together, and it was clear from the start that these wines were something special.
When Ben Papapietro first encountered Bruce Perry in the late 1970's, both men were members of the Teamsters Union working for the San Francisco Newspaper Agency delivering newspapers in the San Francisco area. The two men were products of close Italian and Portuguese families that were reared around a full wine table. They soon found that they shared a common interest in wine and a lifelong friendship was quickly forged. Their mutual interest in the grape soon led them to another newspaper employee named Bert Williams who was in the process of releasing his first wines under the Hacienda del Rio label. Several years later, Williams' wines gained great critical acclaim under the name of the prestigious Williams Selyem Winery.
During this period, both Papapietro and Perry were able to spend some significant time in Sonoma with Williams, mainly during crush. Like their tutor in the business, both became enamored with the Pinot Noir grape and Ben started making wine in the garage of his San Francisco home in 1980. He gradually expanded his efforts and in 1985, Bruce Perry became a part of Papapietro's winemaking operation as well. Beginning in 1990, their mutual efforts resulted in the annual processing of four to six tons of grapes that turned into nine or ten barrels of wine in Ben Papapietro's garage.
The Papapietro Perry Winery moved to Sonoma County in 1998, sharing winemaking facilities with two other wineries located in Windsor. The first release in 1998 was a mere 75 cases, but production gradually increased until it reached its present 8,000 case level. Throughout the early stages of their operation, both owners dedicated themselves to the production of the finest quality wines they could afford to make.
Even though they produced a number of different varietals, both Papapietro and Perry remained fascinated with the Pinot Noir grape as their winery's primary varietal. Over the years, they began introducing small-lot programs of Zinfandel and Chardonnay, but the winery's focus has remained on their vineyard-designated Pinots.
"Pinot Noir is totally seductive as grape varietals go," Papapietro explained. "With its array of flavors, a really wellmade Pinot Noir will truly draw you into its web. It is marvelous with food and a perfect sipping wine. The word I always use to describe Pinot Noir is heavenly, and that says it all."
Over the years, Papapietro Perry Winery has also developed a number of critical relationships with top-level Sonoma winegrowers. Particular interest has been paid to the Russian River Valley and Sonoma Coast appellations, which are prime growing areas for the finicky Pinot Noir grape.
"It was imperative for our winery's growth to find growers who were really willing to work with us," Papapietro added. "If you don't have the right fruit to start with, producing a significant Pinot Noir can be quite difficult. We have been really selective with our growers and we now have the luxury of some of the finest vineyards in Sonoma to draw from."
Their instinct for sourcing exceptional grapes and skill for crafting extraordinary wine immediately drew critical acclaim to the tiny winery, and it has continued vintage after vintage. But what makes these winemakers truly happy is sharing their wines with the world and making others smile over a glass of their handcrafted wine.
And according to Papapietro, Papapietro Perry Winery has already reached its maximum production. "I don't want us to fall into the trap that catches other wineries," he informed. "Too many wineries try to do too much and make too many different wines. We want to be known for our focus, and making the best wine possible."
If determination and focus are the deciding factors, Papapietro Perry Winery is well on its way to making Ben Papapietro's wish come true. We are excited to share his work with our Platinum Plus! Wine Club members!
A Letter from Renae Perry
Dear Platinum Series Members,
It is our pleasure to present one of our special vineyard-designate Pinot Noirs, the Leras Family Vineyard. The Leras Family has been farming in the Russian River Valley since 1819 when Nick Leras’ father, a Greek immigrant, bought property in the valley just off of River Road. Nick has been providing us exceptional fruit for over 10 years and has been the backbone of our wine production.
The Leras Family Pinot Noir is always a favorite of our customers and staff alike. It exemplifies the complex, earthy, mineral, fruity flavors of the most celebrated Russian River Valley Pinots.
At our winery, we strive to bring you the best that the vineyard has to offer by our very minimalist approach to winemaking. We like to let the fruit speak for itself, by hand crafting all our wines and letting the terroir shine through.
We really love Pinot Noir and hope you will enjoy the fruits of our labor.
Cheers,
Renae Perry
CEO, Papapietro Perry Winery
