We make the best use of our land by tending vines well suited to our distinctive terroir and creating limited production wines from the best and most interesting Southern Italian varietals. At Chiarito Vineyard, we subscribe to old sustainable farming techniques and minimalist winemaking, preferring purity of flavor and product while nurturing and sustaining our environment. The saying around here is always fatto a mano, “everything by hand,” and John's allegiance to that philosophy can be seen in his hand-crafted wines, hand-farmed fields, hand-built buildings and his hand-prepared meals.

Located just south of Talmage and East of Ukiah on the upper benchlands of the Russian River, the Chiarito Vineyard experiences moderately hot days and cold, clear nights—a similar climate to southern Italy and it’s perfect weather for Zin (or its southern Italian sister, Primitivo). Soil is comprised of rocky river deposits and decomposed sandstone and volcanic ash. There are two acres of vineyards planted around 16 years ago from St. George rootstock. The vineyard is thinned for 2½ to 3 tons per acre. The vineyard is head-trained, staked and tied with willow branches. It is dry farmed, plowed and cross cultivated. John is one of the of the last winegrowers to still plow his vineyards and practice dry farming techniques. Alongside the vineyards, John has planted a vegetable garden, fruit trees and olive trees, creating a rich and healthy environment.