Jacuzzi Family Vineyards Sonoma California

A Brief History of the Carneros Hills Based Winery

Jan 30, 2009

A grandfather's inspiration leads Fred Cline to create Jacuzzi Vineyards. Drawing on Italian art and culture he creates a small taste of Italy in the midst of Sonoma.

The Italians are known for their deep family ties and their tradition. The miles that separate these countries, Italy and America, could not break the ties that bound the Jacuzzi family. Here is a brief account of how Valeriano Jacuzzi's passion became a livelihood for his grandson; a work performed in his honor.

Jacuzzi Vineyard History

The name "Jacuzzi" is usually immediately associated with hot tubs instead of grapes. Valeriano Jacuzzi, the inventor of the whirlpool bathtub was the grandfather of the owner of Jacuzzi Vineyards, Fred Cline. Valeriano was also passionate about wine-making and had his own vineyards in Oakley, California during the Depression. He was licensed to make wine for his own consumption and was limited to producing only 200 gallons or roughly 84 cases. In 1937 he returned to working with his brothers in Berkeley, California manufacturing well pumps and eventually producing the bathtub that bears the Jacuzzi name.

Jacuzzi Vineyard Home

The idea of Jacuzzi Family Vineyards was born out of a desire to honor Valeriano Jacuzzi .Up until 2007, Fred Cline had produced the wine at his other vineyard, Cline Cellars in Sonoma. Conveniently, the 18,000 square foot home directly across from Cline Cellars was acquired and Jacuzzi wines finally had its own home.

Jacuzzi Vineyard Design and Decor

Respect is paid to Cline’s Italian heritage in restoring the property to mimic an old Italian rustic stone villa. In fact, the design is based on the original homestead in Udine, Italy. No Italian villa would be complete without a courtyard and the centerpiece for the Jacuzzi Family Vineyard is the 85 year old fig tree that was transplanted from Valeriano Jacuzzi’s home in Oakley. Other mature trees, such as the olive trees that grace the entrance, also migrated from the grandfather’s house.

The visitor center is bejeweled with Venetian Murano chandeliers and the bar alone has been intricately designed and handcrafted using ten different types of wood. Giant marble statues welcome visitors to the tasting room while Neptune, standing among his wild horses exhaling their liquid breath, watches over the vineyard. He, like Valeriano and his brothers, endured the long journey from Italy.

For a better view of the vineyard and surrounding areas, the bell tower is open for visitors who would like to scale the height. The spectacular panoramic views of the Carneros hills are worth the climb.

Jacuzzi Vineyard Sampling of Wines

Continuing with Italian tradition, the wines that are found at the winery are only Italian; Barbera, Chardonnay, Merlot, Pinot Grigio, Pinot Noir, Primitivo and Sangiovese to name a few.

Jacuzzi Vineyard Houses The Olive Press

Variety is said to be the spice of life and Jacuzzi Family Vineyards offer another form of tasting. Italians are almost never separated from their wine or their olive oil so it is no surprise that onsite, one can find the award winning production of California extra virgin olive oil at The Olive Press. During harvest season, visitors have a full view of the production area and can learn how it is made.

The gift store displays the vineyard's wines, olive oil, imported as well as local food products.

The copyright of the article Jacuzzi Family Vineyards Sonoma California in California Travel is owned by Beverly Yip. Permission to republish Jacuzzi Family Vineyards Sonoma California in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.