Chris Donatiello earned his stripes in New York where he spent years marketing and selling a number of well-known, luxury brand wines and spirits. Taking his business expertise, combining it with his love of wine and entrepreneurial spirit, he came to the West Coast intent on creating a premium, boutique winery in the Russian River Valley. Chris teamed up with venture capitalist legend Bill Hambrecht, whose previous vine ventures include Gary Farrell, Ravenswood, and Ridge. Together they acquired an old winery that produced 125,000 cases. They scaled it down to a sophisticated boutique winery producing 6,600 cases with state-of the-art equipment.
C. Donatiello Winery provides a quiet place to get away from it all. Its atmosphere is serene and rural, yet sophisticated. The winery’s commodious, high-ceilinged tasting room has a homey feeling. It is complemented by koi ponds, a cherry orchard, a rose garden with more than 15 kinds of roses, and a sumptuous aroma garden, heady with fresh herbal and fruit scents that mirror the aromas of the wines. Strolling casually through the garden, visitors appreciate smelling and tasting the plants, herbs, and fruits which exemplify the scents found in Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. Like in the neighboring Maddie’s Vineyard, organic practices are used in the garden. Whether on a formal tour, or a leisurely visit, callers are encouraged to pause for a bit and enjoy the stunning views of the Russian River Valley over lunch and a bottle C. Donatiello wine.
WHAT TO BUY:
’07 Floodgate Vineyard Pinot Noir Raspberries, Bing cherries, cranberries, paprika, tobacco $57
’07 Orsi Vineyard Chardonnay White pepper, apples, pink grapefruit $38
’07 Maddie’s Vineyard Pinot Noir Ripe raspberries, chocolate, coconut, plum $61
‘08 Clone 809 Chardonnay Citrus, crab apple, flinty $34
’07 Russian River Pinot Noir Black pepper, dried cranberries, mocha, cherry $48
CONTACT:
800.433.8296; Fax: 707.431.4402
www.cdonatiello.com
4035 Westside Rd.
Healdsburg, CA 95448
Tasting Room Open Daily 11-5, Tours by Appointment Only
GETTING THERE:
Take Hwy 101 N to Central Healdsburg exit. Continue on Healdsburg Ave., turn left at Mill St., and continue on Westside Rd.
Touring and Tasting
JustLuxe Contributor
C. Donatiello Winery
C. Donatiello Winery
C. Donatiello Winery
C. Donatiello Winery
C. Donatiello Winery
C. Donatiello Winery