Even at an early age, John had developed a love for farming. He remembers the turning point, when he was only three years old: he was in the garden with his grandfather, who picked and shelled some favas for him to eat. It was a visceral experience that immediately tied him to the land. The Chiarito Vineyard winery came about as an extension of what John was already doing; farming, gardening, and making prosciutto, bread and wine. It was nurtured and helped along by his family and other influential figures he met along the way, including Larry Pacini, Irece Anzilotti and his dad, Americo. The creation of this winery has given John a great connection to the land and an older way of life. It is a tribute to his parents, grandparents, and all of the friends who have taught and helped him.             Americo Chiarito, June 14, 1913 - May 17, 2010.  John's father, Al Chiarito, was born Americo Donato Antonio Chiarito and was first generation Italian-American, hence the name Americo.  Born in Hartford, Connecticut, his family returned to Italy when he was one and half years old and he was raised in the rural Italian town of Ginestra, in the province of Potenza in southern Italy, until he was thirteen.  Following a pattern that is the untold story of American immigration, his family moved back to Italy, ostensibly to show off their American-born son, but also because the streets in the U.S. were not always paved with gold and, then as now, most immigrants faced tremendous prejudice.  In Italy, Americo's father fought for the Italians in WWI and twelve years later they returned to America. After college, Americo enlisted in the U.S. Army to fight in WWII and was sent to the front in southern Italy.   His first diary entry describes his arrival on Italian soil. They were immediately bombarded with mortar shells and, as the world was coming down all around him, Americo found himself standing in a fig orchard.  All of the trees were filled with ripe fruit.  Not knowing whether he was going to live or die, Americo climbed up into one of the trees and began to eat figs, as bombs continued to crash and explode all around him.  This bittersweet story exemplifies his strong and sweet character. Americo played an essential role in the winery.  He was John’s accountant; he helped bottle, label, garden, and harvest.  It is Americo's signature that is stamped on the Chiarito label.  He was the whip-cracker, and was often heard saying, “Is that all you got done today?"  At 96, he was still in the vineyard at harvest and operating the corker on the bottling line; always one to lead by example, it is remarkable that he could push himself to work so tirelessly.  He passed away in 2010, just shy of the age of 97, and his humor and inspirational fortitude are greatly missed.             Some of you may know Nicole as the proprietor of the much-loved Tierra - Art, Garden, Wine.  Nicole brings her long-time experience in hospitality, a love of authentic wine, and her effervescent personality.  Her contribution to the winery includes planning Wine Club events, keeping in touch with members, and using her Spanish language skills. Please contact her with any Wine Club needs at nicole@chiaritovineyard.com or 707.468.7936.