The moment guests step through the gate at VJB Cellars they’ll feel as though they’ve been transported to a small Italian village. Buildings made of stone and rustic wood beams lend an Old World feel, and on sunny, pleasant days the winery’s piazza is full of happy visitors enjoying all that VJB has to offer.
The first stop is usually the tasting room bar where VJB’s friendly, knowledgeable staff walks guests through the tasting menu that features the winery’s limited production Italian varietals such as the estate Sangiovese or Montepulciano. Chances are visitors will try wines they’ve never tasted before and gain an appreciation for these rare, California-grown Italian varietals that are produced with an eye toward New World innovation and Old World sensibility.
Afterwards, guests can enjoy a relaxing afternoon on the piazza enjoying wood-fired pizzas and flatbreads from VJB’s Red Rooster Pizza Co. Crisp Neapolitan-style pizzas, calzones and flatbreads are delivered hot and fresh to guests’ tables to enjoy with one of VJB’s many wines available by the glass or bottle.
There is also a large selection of cheeses, salumi and antipasti in La Cucina, the onsite deli. Get a cheese and salumi platter to share or freshly pressed panini. There are also several grilled selections including ribs seasoned with owner Henry Belmonte’s secret rub, or pair some of the chicken thighs with a freshly made salad.
Guests can also take home a taste of VJB from the marketplace which feature Estate grown olive oil, Maria Belmonte’s homemade sauces, and even pasta that’s made in house. An onsite chocolate and gelato shop is the perfect ending to a visit here.
From the wine to the food, the atmosphere and hospitality, VJB is the ideal place to experience all that wine country has to offer.

Standout Wines

Italian varietals rarely grown outside of Italy are the big draw here, such as the Sagrantino, a rare, bold, red wine that’s known as one of the most tannic varietals in the world. The estate-grown Montepulciano is the perfect pairing for Italian dishes and admired amongst Cabernet Sauvignon fans for its similarities in body and dark fruit.  Guests who find the estate Sangiovese before it sells out are in for a true Italian treat.  New varietals are released every month, ensuring that guests will have a unique tasting experience each visit.

Stay Awhile

Plan ahead and schedule a piazza tasting of the family wines on the Italian inspired piazza with one of the wine educators. Soak up a bit more of VJB’s Italian wine knowledge and learn the history and significance of each unique wine produced by the Belmonte family.  After tasting, stay to sip on your favorite bottle while enjoying an assortment of wood-fired pizzas or the acclaimed Enrico’s ribs. The in-house, fresh-made burrata is a must for any cheese lover. Sit back and relish in all that our little slice of Italy in the Sonoma Valley has to offer.