“We want people to enjoy themselves and have fun.” —Sue Bonzell
When Art Paul’s family began farming Gravenstein apples on its Russian River Valley property 65 years ago, they likely didn’t foresee their packing facility (which has welcomed visitors since 1945) transformed into a wine tasting room. But that’s exactly what happened when Graton Ridge Cellars opened there six years ago.
“My dad [Art] is the vineyard manager,” says General Manager Sue Bonzell, who oversees the operations with her mom, Barbara Paul, who co-owns the winery with Art. “He’s the farmer. That’s what he likes to do,” she adds. “He has a love of old trucks, some of which are used during harvest.”
Winemaker Nick Legg has been with the winery since its first harvest in 2006. “When he first came here,” says Bonzell, “he hadn’t made much Pinot Noir [he had experience in Napa Valley and today is also assistant winemaker at Trentadue Winery in Alexander Valley]. We gave him the bare minimum supplies and equipment to work with, so it was a challenge for him, and he blew us away with the end product.”
The winery’s first release, a 2006 Russian River Valley Pinot Noir, won the Gold Sweepstakes at the Monterey International Wine Competition. “He continues to wow us with the Pinot Noirs and all our varietals,” she adds. The winery has gone on to win multiple awards at several competitions for not only its Pinots but also its Chardonnay, Zinfandel (from the Bacagalupi Vineyard) and A+ Apple Dessert Wine. “Nick likes to make all our wines ‘fruit first,’ [just a hint of oak so it’s not overpowering] and drinkable young. The Pinot Noir is aged [on average] 12 months in the barrel, then nine to 12 months in the bottle. Nick oversees the wines and their release dates.”
The family estate has three acres planted to Pinot Noir and Chardonnay and also purchases wine from a small radius of local growers. It produces anywhere from 1,200 to 1,500 cases annually, with a maximum of 450 cases per varietal. Its tasting room is open daily and features a picnic area and bocce ball for wine purchasers. It also offers a limited wine club, participates in all the Wine Road events and is part of a group of close-by wineries (along State Route Highway 116) called Taste Route 116, which has its own separate events featuring art, mingling singles and barbecue grilling (check www.tasteroute116.com for details)—a little something for everyone.
When you visit, you’ll find a laid back, family atmosphere…and some old trucks. “We want people to enjoy themselves and have fun, whether or not there’s an event going on,” says Bonzell.
“Thank you so much for voting us Best Pinot Noir,” she adds. “We’re absolutely honored. There are a lot of amazing Pinot Noirs out there, especially in Russian River Valley. To be voted as best is huge!”
