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Lasseter Family Winery Summary

1 Vintage Lane
Glen Ellen ,CA 95442
United States
(707) 933-2814
lasseterfamilywinery.com


Lasseter Family Winery Description

Lasseter Family Winery, located in Glen Ellen, California, is a hidden gem in Sonoma Valley. Nestled in the rolling hills and surrounded by picturesque vineyards, this winery exudes elegance and charm. Founded in 2002 by film producer John Lasseter and his wife Nancy, Lasseter Family Winery is not just a place to taste world-class wines, but also a celebration of art, storytelling, and a passion for winemaking.

As you step onto the property, you are immediately greeted by a stunning Tuscan-style building, which serves as the winery's tasting room. The warm and inviting atmosphere invites guests to indulge in the Lasseter's love for both wine and the arts. The interior is adorned with vintage film memorabilia and original artwork, showcasing their family's connection to the entertainment industry.

What sets Lasseter Family Winery apart is their dedication to the craft of winemaking. With a focus on sustainable and organic farming practices, they ensure that only the highest quality grapes are used in their wines. Their vineyards are carefully tended to by experienced hands, resulting in exceptional fruit that truly reflects the unique terroir of the Sonoma Valley.

The portfolio of wines at Lasseter is diverse, featuring both red and white varietals. From their flagship Bordeaux-style blend, Amoureux, to their aromatic Viognier, each wine is crafted with precision and care. The knowledgeable and friendly staff are eager to guide visitors through a memorable tasting experience, sharing the stories behind each wine and the winemaking philosophy of the Lasseter family.

In addition to their exceptional wines, Lasseter Family Winery offers exclusive VIP experiences such as private tastings and vineyard tours, providing guests with an intimate glimpse into the winemaking process. The winery also hosts a variety of events throughout the year, from harvest parties to winemaker dinners, creating a community where wine enthusiasts can come together to celebrate their shared passion.

Lasseter Family Winery is a destination that combines the finest elements of art, storytelling, and winemaking. With its breathtaking location, exceptional wines, and dedication to a holistic approach to viticulture, it truly captures the essence of California wine country. A visit to Lasseter Family Winery is guaranteed to indulge the senses and leave a lasting impression on any wine lover.

What Makes Lasseter Family Winery Different From Other Nearby Wineries?

Lasseter Family Winery stands out among the many wineries in the region for several compelling reasons. First and foremost, Lasseter is a family-owned and operated winery, which brings a sense of personal dedication and genuine passion to their craft. Established by the Lasseter family in 2002, they have remained committed to producing high-quality wines that reflect the unique terroir and character of Sonoma Valley, California.

Another aspect that sets Lasseter Family Winery apart is their environmentally conscious approach to viticulture. They prioritize sustainable farming practices and have implemented various initiatives in the vineyard to minimize their impact on the surrounding ecosystem. This dedication to environmental stewardship not only helps preserve the beauty of the region but also contributes to the overall quality and purity of their wines.

Furthermore, Lasseter Family Winery has a remarkable dedication to the art of winemaking. They bring an exceptional level of talent and expertise to their winemaking team, led by Julia Iantosca, the head winemaker. Julia’s extensive experience and commitment to crafting expressive, elegant wines shine through in every bottle produced by the winery.

One particular aspect that sets Lasseter Family Winery apart is their unique blend of traditional winemaking techniques with innovative approaches. They combine old-world methods with modern technologies to create wines that both honor the heritage of winemaking and showcase the best of contemporary innovation. This fusion of tradition and innovation results in wines that are both rooted in history and crafted with a forward-thinking mindset.

It is also worth mentioning that Lasseter Family Winery goes beyond just wine production. The winery offers visitors a truly memorable experience through their hospitality and commitment to providing exceptional service. Whether you are a wine enthusiast or a casual visitor, the warm and welcoming atmosphere at Lasseter ensures that your visit will be both enjoyable and educational. They offer guided tours, tastings, and even host special events throughout the year, allowing visitors to fully immerse themselves in the world of wine.

In summary, Lasseter Family Winery stands out from other wineries in the region due to its family-owned status, commitment to sustainability, exceptional winemaking talent, fusion of tradition and innovation, as well as its outstanding hospitality. These factors combine to create an experience that is truly unique and captivating for anyone who appreciates fine wines and the art of winemaking.

What Some Possible Concerns About Lasseter Family Winery ?

While opinions may differ, here are a few common aspects that some people did not particularly like about Lasseter Family Winery:

1. Limited wine selection: Some visitors mentioned that Lasseter Family Winery offers a relatively small variety of wines compared to other wineries in California. While they appreciated the quality of the wines available, they were expecting a more extensive selection to choose from.

2. High prices: A few individuals found Lasseter's wine prices to be on the higher side compared to similar wineries in the area. While they acknowledged the winery's premium quality, some customers felt that the prices were not justified for the overall experience.

3. Crowded tasting room: During peak seasons or popular events, the tasting room at Lasseter Family Winery can get quite crowded, making it challenging to find a peaceful and intimate setting for wine tasting. This aspect often resulted in longer waiting times and limited attention from the staff.

4. Inconsistent service: While many visitors had positive experiences with the staff at Lasseter, a few people reported instances of inconsistent service. This included slow response times, lack of knowledge about the wines, or staff members being less engaging or friendly compared to their expectations.

5. Limited amenities: Some guests commented that Lasseter Family Winery lacked certain amenities that they had come to expect from other wineries in the region. These might include picnic areas, vineyard tours, or food options. While the main focus is on wine, some visitors wished for additional offerings to enhance their overall experience.

It is important to note that these opinions represent a minority of visitors, and many others have thoroughly enjoyed their time at Lasseter Family Winery. Remember, tasting experiences can be subjective, and it is always best to visit and form your own opinion.

Lasseter Family Winery History

Lasseter Family Winery, situated in the heart of Sonoma Valley, is renowned for its exceptional wines and deep-rooted history. Founded in 1994 by legendary Pixar film producer John Lasseter and his wife Nancy, the winery boasts a compelling story that intertwines the worlds of wine, art, and animation.

The Lasseter family's journey into winemaking began when John and Nancy purchased a 95-acre estate, previously known as the Glen Ellen Ranch, in 1985. Initially, they aimed to create a peaceful getaway where they could unwind from the hectic demands of the film industry. Drawn by the beauty of Sonoma Valley's landscape, the Lasseters soon discovered the potential of their property for vineyard development.

In 1994, the Lasseters took their passion for wine to the next level by establishing their own winery on the estate. They enlisted the expertise of renowned viticulturist Phil Coturri to transform the land into a vineyard. Coturri's organic and biodynamic approach aligned perfectly with the Lasseter family's commitment to sustainable farming practices.

The winery's flagship grape varieties include Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah, Malbec, and Viognier. The Lasseter Family Winery embraces the Bordeaux-style winemaking tradition, focusing on producing balanced and elegant wines that showcase the unique terroir of Sonoma Valley.

Beyond their dedication to crafting exceptional wines, the Lasseters sought to create a winery experience that celebrated their artistic background. As such, the winery is adorned with numerous Pixar-themed artworks, including original paintings and sculptures. These captivating pieces of art pay homage to the creative spirit that John Lasseter fostered during his illustrious career at Pixar Animation Studios.

The winery's commitment to excellence extends to its winemaking techniques. Every step of the winemaking process is meticulously overseen to ensure the highest quality. The grapes are hand-harvested at precisely the right moment, sorted with care, and gently pressed to extract the finest flavors. The wines are then aged in French oak barrels, adding layers of complexity and enhancing their overall character.

Lasseter Family Winery's dedication to sustainable practices is another cornerstone of their philosophy. They employ practices such as cover cropping, composting, and water conservation methods to minimize their environmental impact. The winery also holds certification from organizations such as California Certified Organic Farmers (CCOF) and Fish Friendly Farming, further exemplifying their commitment to sustainability.

Apart from producing outstanding wines, Lasseter Family Winery offers visitors a one-of-a-kind experience. The estate features a picturesque tasting room, where guests can enjoy a flight of their exceptional wines while immersing themselves in the enchanting Pixar artwork that adorns the walls.

In addition to the tasting room, the winery hosts various events throughout the year, including winemaker dinners, concerts, and art exhibitions. These events showcase the Lasseter family's passion for both wine and the arts, creating a vibrant and engaging atmosphere for wine enthusiasts and art aficionados alike.

In conclusion, Lasseter Family Winery is a testament to the Lasseter family's commitment to excellence, creativity, and sustainable winemaking. From its humble beginnings as a serene retreat, the winery has evolved into a prestigious establishment known for producing exceptional wines and celebrating the marriage of wine and art. With its rich history, picturesque setting, and exceptional vintages, Lasseter Family Winery remains a must-visit destination for wine lovers and art enthusiasts visiting California's renowned Sonoma Valley.

Introduction

Hello, my name is Franklin Laurel - Welcome!

I started drinking wine in 1992 when I was in my early twenties and recently married. Like many other young Southern Californians, it started out with White Zinfandel. As we were a couple of young DINKs just beginning life together, and on a budget, our go-to-wine was Sutter Home White Zinfandel, which tasted a lot like wine coolers and probably cost at the time $2.49. If we really were going to splurge, we would step it up and buy Beringer White Zinfandel for $2.99. Those were the days....

After a little time, we decided to get fancy. We stepped up our game and bought some wonderful 2-Buck Chuck from Trader Joe's. The Charles Shaw (Trader Joe's Exclusive Label) wine, also known as 2-Buck-Chuck extended our pallet into Reds for only $1.99 a bottle. Over the years we continued to grow in our understanding of wine (finally ran into some good wine) and we slowly kept buying better and better bottles.

Our first wine club purchase was from Kenwood's Vineyards, in Kenwood, California located in Sonoma Valley, right next to the famous Napa Valley. I began to learn about tobacco leather, and earthiness, and lots of other strange terminology when tasting their signature Zinfandels (of the red variety). So that is how it all began.

Fast forward a couple decades, and we have been members of five different wine clubs, and now have a passion for California's red wines. My favorite by far is Cabernet Sauvignon, while my wife fancies a good Syrah, Malbec, or Merlot - but she also loves the smell of a wine barrel room, which is all about the notes of Cabernet Sauvignon.

As I come across great wine resources and useful information that I find in planning my own wine trips, I will share here for anyone that might stumble across my humble website.

Cheers! - Franklin Laurel