×
Published on 27-06-2024
Wellington Cellars Soars to the Top of Its Game

A Sonoma Valley favorite for decades, Wellington Cellars has undergone an incredible transformation thanks to the Belmonte family of the very popular and picturesque VJB Cellars in Kenwood. The Belmontes have brought the same level of charm and hospitality to Wellington, all while adding an undeniably elevated slate of incredible wines.

Purachasing the 25-acre property in 2014, father and son duo, Vittorio and Henry were first and foremost interested in adding a production facility to make VJB Cellars wines. “I wasn’t looking for another label or tasting room,” said Henry Belmonte.  But the facility and its proximity to VJB were too good to pass up. The first task – revamp what he called the ‘tired vineyards.’  

“We decided to replant all of the vines with the exception of the Old Vine Zinfandel, which would have been a shame as it was originally planted in 1882.” The new Wellington team moved in and officially began selling their own wines beginning in 2016. Over the course of the next six years, Belmonte set about creating an aesthetic that is new, fresh and pretty fantastic on the sprawling Glen Ellen property.

Wellington Cellars

Today, the portfolio boasts a beautiful array of French Bordeaux-style wines. Whites include sparkling Rosé, as well as estate Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Viognier and a White Rhône Blend. Reds are where Wellington really shines and wines run the gamut from an Estate Vin de Campagne, several estate-grown Old Vine Zinfandels, a fruity Grenache, to Malbec, Petite Sirah, and more. The wines truly need to be sampled for full appreciation of the time and care that have gone into overhauling the wine program.

 

Wellington Cellars

Outstanding Wines in a Comfortable Environment

Speaking of overhauls, the tasting room has been graced with a complete renovation. Over the course of two long years, the Belmontes set out to create the same sort of warm ambiance that has defined VJB  Cellars. Leaving almost no stone unturned, they built a beautiful tasting room evocative of a tiny French village. The incredible stone tasting room is the first thing visitors see as they wind up the driveway past the pruned and trellised Old Vine Zinfandel.  Straight out of the French countryside, the welcoming edifice is like a warm embrace.  Guests can also visit the new barrel room and original open-air barn. 

 

Wellington Cellars

Inside the tasting room, guests are treated to top-notch hospitality.  When it comes to the guest experience, the family spares no expense.  Henry wants guests to receive the highest level of attention so that they feel like family in the relaxed atmosphere of the lounge-style tasting room.  Sofas festoon the space and bar seating at the counter invites guests to linger over their tasting.
The tasting room is open 10 am to 5 pm every day and reservations are recommended but not necessary.  There are different experiences to meet a variety of tastes including the beautiful tasting room, the verdant vineyard, or the shady and fragrant olive grove.

Recent Stories
Business Information: