Martinelli
Summary
Martinelli is a fifth-generation family winery farming 450 acres across Russian River Valley, Sonoma Coast, and Fort Ross-Seaview, specializing in site-specific Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Zinfandel, and Syrah from diverse elevations and predominantly Goldridge sandy loam soils. Their farmer-first philosophy combines meticulous vineyard management with minimal intervention winemaking techniques, honoring traditional methods established since 1887 while maintaining sustainable practices throughout their historic vineyards, including the famously steep Jackass Hill.
Heritage & Leadership
Martinelli Winery traces its roots to 1887 when Giuseppe and Luisa Martinelli purchased a steep, forested hillside in the Russian River Valley of Sonoma County. The 60-degree slope, which would later become known as Jackass Hill, was deemed too steep to farm by local farmers, yet the Martinellis persisted in planting Zinfandel vines. Their son Leno took over the family business in the early 1900s, continuing to farm the challenging terrain with horses and a sled.
The third generation, led by Lee Sr. and his wife Carolyn, expanded the family's agricultural holdings in the 1970s and began selling grapes to premium wineries. In 1980, they took a significant step by establishing Martinelli Winery, bottling wine under their own label while continuing their grape-growing operations. Today, the fourth and fifth generations manage the winery, with Courtney Martinelli and Tessa Gorsuch (Lee Sr. and Carolyn's granddaughters) actively involved in daily operations alongside winemaker Bryan Kvamme, who joined in 2015 after working with previous winemaker Helen Turley.
Vineyards & Wines
Martinelli's vineyard holdings span approximately 450 acres across the Russian River Valley, Sonoma Coast, and Fort Ross-Seaview AVAs. Their vineyards include the historic Jackass Hill (planted in 1880s and recognized as the steepest non-terraced vineyard in Sonoma County), Jackass Vineyard (planted in the 1980s from cuttings of the original vineyard), Zio Tony Ranch, Moonshine Ranch, and Blue Slide Ridge.
The winery focuses primarily on single-vineyard expressions of Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Zinfandel, and Syrah. The Russian River Valley vineyards feature predominantly Goldridge sandy loam soils, while the coastal sites contain more fractured sandstone and marine sediments. Vineyard elevations range from 100-1,000 feet above sea level, with varying exposures that contribute to the distinctive character of each site.
The Martinelli portfolio includes several vineyard-designated wines, with the Jackass Hill Zinfandel (produced from vines on the original 60-degree slope) and Jackass Vineyard Zinfandel serving as historical flagships. Their Pinot Noir and Chardonnay programs have expanded significantly since the 1990s, particularly with the development of their cooler-climate vineyards.
Philosophy & Practice
Martinelli's approach centers on meticulous farming and minimal intervention winemaking. The family maintains a "farmer first" mentality, with vineyard management practices tailored to each site's specific conditions. Crop levels are kept naturally low, particularly in their older Zinfandel vineyards, where yields often average just one to two tons per acre.
In the winery, grapes are handled gently, with Chardonnay whole-cluster pressed and Pinot Noir typically destemmed without crushing to preserve intact berries. Fermentations occur in small lots, with native yeasts often employed. Their Zinfandels undergo extended maceration periods to extract deep color and structure while managing the variety's natural high alcohol levels.
Aging protocols vary by variety, with Chardonnays spending approximately 10 months in French oak (30-50% new), Pinot Noirs 10-12 months in French oak (40-60% new), and Zinfandels 12-16 months in a combination of French and American oak. The winery's barrel program is tailored to each vineyard lot, with cooperage selection matched to the specific characteristics of each wine.
Martinelli practices sustainable farming throughout their vineyards, implementing cover cropping, water conservation measures, and integrated pest management systems. Their commitment to land stewardship reflects the family's multi-generational perspective and dedication to preserving their agricultural heritage.