The journey into creating Giornata started with a dream to create wines from Italian grapes grown in California that earn the same respect that American winemakers garnered from French varietals.  The Terrizzis' love for Italian wine started years ago and stems from their lifelong love of Italian food and fascination with their Italian heritage.  After working for respected Zinfandel producer Rosenblum Cellars, Brian Terrizzi traveled to Italy to work with the famous Paolo DeMarchi at Isole e Olena in Tuscany.  From this experience, he gained a great deal of insight into Italian winemaking.  He was also fortunate to spend a month traveling and visiting cellars from Tuscany to Sicily.  Brian's ancestors' hometown was famous for wine since the dawn of the Roman Empire.

After some doubts and setbacks (and being told Nebbiolo would never work in California), Brian pushed through and with renewed vigor, got Giornata off the ground.  In 2005, Brian was wed to Stephanie, his soul mate and a true vineyard guru.  His enthusiasm for Italian wine was met by her's.  Together they work with the same grape vines that the best Italian producers use and the western slopes of Paso Robles look very much like the hilltops in Italy.  

• ‹ previous
• 9 of 10
• next ›