When you build a business there are key moments where you have to make a decision to either grow and let go, or keep it small and keep it your own. Fourth generation vintner Robert Fanucci, his artistic wife, Layla, and their loving children Nicole, Michelle and David, do what feels right. By keeping Charter Oak Winery to a manageable size, the family is able to follow in the footsteps of  Grandfather Guido Ragghianti, who made the finest wines with passion and pride. "Nonno" (grandpa) worked the fields and vineyards surrounding his home in St. Helena on Charter Oak Avenue, picking and crushing grapes on what is now century-old winemaking equipment that Rob continues to use.

Adopting the Old World style of winemaking has proven to be highly successful for the Fanucci family whose vintage wines include 2010 Guido Ragghianti Old World Field Blend—dark red violet; ripe raspberry, spice, white pepper, smoke, elegant, balanced, juicy, dried berry, bright Bing cherry and soft white rose pedal overtones, blackberry cobbler. A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, St. Helena Estate Zinfandel, Old Vine Monte Rosso Zinfandel, and Old Vine Petite Sirah — a field blend reminiscent of a luxury cuvee Chateauneuf-du-Pape.  If you're looking for a spring break destination, visit Charter Oak Winery (charteroakwine.com) in St. Helena (Napa Valley) and take the tour & tasting.  Just down the road is a wonderful 12 room boutique hotel, Wydown (wydownhotel.com).

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