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 Like the many-threaded
Italian tapestry that covers the wall of Soquel's new facility,
the story of Soquel Vineyards in
the Santa Cruz Mountain is made many colorful and varied strands...
of family, history and winemaking.
Twins Peter and Paul Bargetto,
along with friend Jon Morgan, began the winery in 1987 after
leaving the family winemaking business. Bargetto Winery,
also in the Santa Cruz Mountains, was started in 1933 by
Peter and
Paul's grandfather John Bargetto and his brother, Philip.
In a twist on history,
Peter and Paul recently purchased land once owned by their
grandfather as
the site of their new winery
facility. Set atop a rise just three miles from Soquel, it
offers a sweeping view of the Monterey Bay coastline. It also
offers history; its roof is made of handmade Italian tiles
dating from 1751. "I tell visitors our roof is older than
the Constitution", laughs Peter. The doors of the winery
are even older, composed of 1800-year-old first growth redwood
directly connected to the Bargetto family history. "In
the 40's my grandfather purchased a 12,000 gallon redwood tank.
This tank was in the cellar my dad built in 1945, and the doors
are made from it's wood.
Soquel's new winery tips the hat to the Bargetto's Italian
heritage with architecture that reminds one of Italy. But the
brothers and Jon don't produce Italian varietals, preferring
to concentrate on Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Merlot, Pinot
Noir and Zinfandel. They currently produce 4,500 cases sharing
the responsibilities of winemaking and distribution. Though
they are planting a four-acre vineyard on their new property,
they currently source their grapes from various vineyards in
Santa Cruz, the Russian River Valley and Napa.
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