California is home to over 4800 wineries – but Berryessa Gap Winery’s inspiring origin story and innovative farming practices truly make it stand out from the crowd. We chatted with Corrine Martinez, President and COO, to learn more about this Yolo County winery and tasting room.

“We are immigrants and pioneers, farmers and entrepreneurs.”

When asked to share the story of Berryessa Gap Winery, Corrine Martinez proudly leads with a bold statement: “We are immigrants and pioneers, farmers and entrepreneurs.” Her paternal grandfather, Juan Martinez, was orphaned at fourteen and left Spain in search of a fresh start in California. He found work on a farm in Yolo County, eventually saving enough to buy a small family farm of his own. 

Juan’s agricultural legacy is continued by his son Dan Martinez and Dan’s wife Joan, who purchased an orchard in Winters where they grew prunes and apricots. Before long, Dan founded the grapevine nursery business now known as Martinez Orchards – an entrepreneurial leap that would ultimately lead the family toward winemaking. 

The evergreen farming themes of perseverance and hard work are threaded throughout the winery’s story. In the 1970s, Dan hired a young Mexican immigrant named Santiago Moreno to work in the fields. Santiago proved invaluable, eventually becoming Dan’s foreman. In 2002 when Berryessa Gap Winery was founded, Santiago was invited by Dan’s son, Dan Martinez Jr., to partner in the winder. Today, Santiago serves as the CEO and co-owner of the winery. 

Roots to wine

One of the most distinctive aspects of Berryessa Gap Vineyards is its total vertical integration. Berryessa Gap is proud to retain complete control of the winemaking process – from roots to wine. The family’s grapevine nursery is considered the premier provider of rootstock for winegrape growers across Napa and Sonoma. The same rootstock and scion were used to plant Berryessa Gap’s vineyards. Corinne notes, “I don’t know of any other winery that is fully vertically integrated. We have our nursery business – we plant and grow rootstock that is used to plant vineyards. We have our own vineyards, and we make our own wine and sell it directly to consumers and wholesale accounts. Having the nursery allows us to tell a ‘roots to wine’ story.”

Field blends: magic in the vineyards

Another farming practice that sets Berryessa Gap apart is field blending. Corinne explains, “We have intentionally planted mixed vineyards that have multiple varieties in them and are harvested at the same time in the same batch. This field blending is very rare as most winemakers like to control blending in the winery. We believe there is a magic in the field blend that can’t be replicated in the cellar.  The levels of complexity in the wine can’t be reproduced, and this wine is great every year.”

“Agriculture is mystical and magical.  For all we know and think we know about what it takes to grow grapes and make wine, we aren’t in control; Mother Nature is. When we make wine, we are making a product that, when consumed in moderation, can provide so much joy.”  – Corrine Martinez

Estate wines and nursery vines

While the vast majority of Berryessa Gap’s wines are true estate wines, a small percentage of grapes are sourced from Mendocino, Napa and Sonoma Valley vineyards. This is a common winery practice. In Berryessa’s case, there’s a twist because they work exclusively with growers who purchased their vines from Martinez Orchards Grapevine Nursery. Corinne enthuses, “These wines are part of our Hwy128 Wine Collection®. This small collection of wine, which also includes one of our Estate wines, our Hwy128 Petite Sirah, is designed to highlight the iconic grape varieties from each of these counties.” 

The Hwy128 Collection boasts some of Berryessa Gap’s most popular wines – including a Sonoma County Chardonnay and an Mendocino County Pinot Noir. These bottles are a unique way to taste wines from different regions, united by their Yolo County roots.  

Ready for a taste? 

Are you ready to taste the award-winning wines of Berryessa Gap Vineyards? Visit one of their two Yolo County tasting rooms. To sneak a peek at the estate vineyard and get a feel for where the magic happens, visit their Estate Winery and Tasting Room. If you’re visiting during the fall, consider reserving a Harvest Tour and Tasting. This experience offers a behind-the-scenes look at press and production, and a guided tasting of five Berryessa Gap wines. 

The second wine tasting room is located in historic Winters. Stroll through the charming streets of  downtown. Then, stop into Berryessa Gap’s Downtown Tasting Room to explore their incredible wines. For an authentic taste of Yolo County, try some of the distinctive wines of the region. Corinne suggests the following: Highway 128 Petite Sirah, Estate Reserve Durif, Estate Petite Sirah, as well as The Sire and Her Majesty (two popular Petite Sirah-based blends). 

Corinne’s recommendations are heavily biased towards Petite Sirahs –  and not solely due to personal preference. She explains, “The Winters Highland AVA should be recognized as the best place in the world to grow Petite Sirah. The grape thrives in our warm days, cool nights, and dry growing season.” 

Not surprisingly, Corinne cites the Estate Petite Sirah as one of her personal favorites. She notes, “It is a unique field blend that is magical. I like to describe tasting it as having a symphony in my mouth. The individual varietals in the blend are each present yet enhanced by each other.  It‘s a beautiful thing.”

Visit the Berryessa Gap Vineyards Tasting Rooms

Berryessa Gap Estate Winery and Tasting Room

27260 Highway 128, Winters, CA 95694

(530) 214-0462

Downtown Tasting Room

15 Main Street, Downtown Winters, CA 95694

(530) 795-3210

Planning your trip to Yolo County?

Get away…without going too far. Yolo County is located about an hour and a half from San Francisco and a half hour from Sacramento. It’s easy to explore Yolo County’s wide open spaces, rolling vineyards, charming small towns and delicious wines. Be sure to add a few of these tasting rooms and farm tours to your itinerary!

Article and photography by Hilary Rance.