Healdsburg producer founded in 1896, with Petite Sirah as its flagship and estate vineyards in the temperate Russian River Valley.
The producer
Foppiano Vineyards is a family owned producer in Healdsburg, founded by Giovanni Foppiano in 1896. Its estate vineyards lie in the temperate Russian River Valley and include Petite Sirah, Pinot Noir, Zinfandel, Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay. Petite Sirah is the flagship, made as a single variety wine since the mid 1960s, with a full bodied, robust style marked by blackberry, spice and firm tannins. The range also includes 100% Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon and rosé styles.
Known for
Russian River Valley Petite Sirah
Notable facts
Giovanni Foppiano founded Foppiano Vineyards in 1896.
Petite Sirah is Foppiano’s flagship wine.
Foppiano began making single variety Petite Sirah in the mid 1960s.
Gianna’s Block contains the estate’s oldest grapevines.
The estate vineyards are sustainably farmed.
The story
The 1926 Creek Raid
In 1926, Treasury agents carried out a federal raid at Foppiano and compelled the disposal of 100,000 gallons of wine into a nearby creek. Foppiano had been founded by Giovanni Foppiano in 1896. The producer describes the winery as continuously operated and family owned, and its history includes survival through Prohibition. The estate remains in Healdsburg, with vineyards in the temperate Russian River Valley planted to Petite Sirah, Pinot Noir, Zinfandel, Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay. Petite Sirah is the family’s flagship wine.
From the atlas
Foppiano Vineyards
Foppiano Vineyards is a family owned Healdsburg producer built around Petite Sirah and estate vineyards in the Russian River Valley.
At A Glance
Field
Detail
Region
Russian River Valley, California
Location
Healdsburg, along the Russian River
Main grapes
Petite Sirah, Pinot Noir, Zinfandel, Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay
Signature wine
Petite Sirah
Defining feature
Founded in 1896, continuously operated and family owned
The Producer
Petite Sirah is Foppiano Vineyards’ flagship wine. The estate describes it as full bodied and robust, with blackberry, spice and tannins that remain firm through the finish. Foppiano began making a single variety Petite Sirah in the mid 1960s.
Giovanni Foppiano founded the winery, which has remained continuously operated and family owned. The estate vineyards are sustainably farmed and include Petite Sirah, Pinot Noir, Zinfandel, Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay.
Place
Foppiano’s estate vineyards thrive in the temperate climate of the Russian River Valley. The winery is at 12707 Old Redwood Highway in Healdsburg, along the Russian River. A temperate valley climate can support both red and white grape varieties, and Foppiano’s estate plantings include five named grapes. Its broader styles include Cabernet Sauvignon and rosé.
Wines
Petite Sirah holds the flagship position in the range. Estate vineyards also provide Pinot Noir, Zinfandel, Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay, while the listed styles extend to Cabernet Sauvignon and rosé.
The 2021 Estate Grown Petite Sirah is a named Petite Sirah bottling. The 2023 Pinot Noir is 100% Pinot Noir, with a smooth, juicy palate, red berries, earthy undertones, soft tannins, spice and bright acidity. The range therefore includes both a robust Petite Sirah style and a brighter Pinot Noir expression.
Final Word
Foppiano Vineyards remains a family owned Healdsburg producer with sustainably farmed Russian River Valley vineyards and Petite Sirah as its flagship wine.