Winery expands estate holdings in its pursuit of quality and preservation
Healdsburg, CA (August 9, 2016) —Williams Selyem Winery, a producer of iconic Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Zinfandel for 35 years, announced today it has purchased the historic Saitone Vineyard located on Olivet Road in Sonoma County’s Russian River Valley. The 33 acre property was first planted by Italian immigrants in 1895 and consists of 26 planted acres including 12 acres of more than 100-year old Zinfandel vines. The purchase price was not disclosed.
“Burt Williams and Ed Selyem’s first wine was Zinfandel made from 84 year-old vines,” said Williams Selyem Proprietor John Dyson. “It breaks my heart to see several of our finest heritage vineyards being ripped out in favor of other higher producing premium varieties. With this purchase, we are thrilled to be preserving a small piece of Russian River Valley history and adding to our portfolio of great single vineyard Zinfandel selections. ”
Williams Selyem built its success and critical acclaim by obtaining the best grapes from the best grower vineyards in the Russian River Valley and Sonoma and Mendocino counties, which the winery continues to do today under the ownership of John and Kathe Dyson. But with an eye firmly focused on quality, the Dysons continue to take steps to gain even greater control of viticulture and winemaking from the ground to the glass. Saitone Vineyard is the fourth addition to the Williams Selyem estate vineyard collection which includes Drake Estate Vineyard, Lewis MacGregor Estate Vineyard, and Williams Selyem Estate Vineyard, all in the Russian River Valley AVA; as well as the Vista Verde Vineyard located in the San Benito Appellation. The winery plans to produce the first single vineyard bottling from the Saitone Vineyard this year.
“This historic, dry-farmed ranch is known for producing grapes with complexity and concentration,” said Winemaker Jeff Mangahas. “I’m looking forward to exploring the depth of character of this vineyard’s wines from vintage to vintage.”
About Williams Selyem
Williams Selyem Winery was founded in 1979 by winemaking hobbyists Ed Selyem and Burt Williams in a garage in Forestville, California. In less than two decades, the winery achieved cult-status and garnered international acclaim for their Pinot Noirs, Chardonnays and Zinfandels. Today, John and Kathe Dyson, who purchased the winery in 1998, carry on the passion for winemaking without compromise. While nearly all of Williams Selyem’s wines are sold through the winery’s direct consumer mailing list, a limited number of cases are released each year to a select group of the country’s finest restaurants and retailers.
