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FROM THE HILLS OF MONTALCINO TO THE HEART OF SONOMA

Lorenzo Petroni's dream was to be the first California vintner to grow the prized Sangiovese Grosso clone from his native Tuscany in Sonoma soil.  He sensed that California could produce stunning results with Italian varieties, similar to the new world successes accomplished with the Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.  His feeling is that if done correctly, the new world can rival if not surpass Italy's most prestigious red wines.  At Petroni Vineyards, we strive to accomplish that obsession everyday.   

In searching out the right spot, Lorenzo traveled the Northern California wine country for years, until one bright day, on a one-lane, winding road on the Sonoma side of the Mayacamas Range, he happened on a 37 acre estate with an old double wide just below Monte Rosso Vineyard.  The red, mineral rich terrain was filled with rocks and stones, was extremely steep at 800 ft. elevation, facing due south, with an undulating pattern that looked perfect for developing multiple plots within the estate.  Lorenzo and his wife Maria Elena purchased the parcel the very next day, in the Spring of 1992.  

First the land was cleared, grape cuttings from Montalcino and Tuscan olive trees were secured and the terraces and vineyard blocks were laid out over 14 acres using volcanic rocks from the property to build the retaining walls and provide an optimal 100% organic farming environment.  The mobile home was removed and in its place, a villa rose above the small winery. Italian and American flags were raised at the gates and the Poggio alla Pietra (Hill of Rocks) estate was born.