Father's Day at Balletto
A Father's Legacy in the Vineyards
Balletto Vineyards A Father's Legacy
Every glass of Balletto wine tells a story. It’s a story of dedication, resilience, and the enduring bond of family. At its heart is John Balletto, a man who faced life’s uncertainties with courage and transformed challenges into opportunities. This Father’s Day, we take a moment to honor John’s incredible legacy and his journey from a 17-year-old farmer to the founder of one of Sonoma County’s leading winery and vineyards.
A Tribute to Fathers and Legacies
Father’s Day is about celebrating the role fathers play in shaping their families and communities. For John Balletto, this day holds an even deeper meaning this year. Not only does it honor his pivotal role as a father and husband, but also the exciting next chapter for his family—as he steps into the role of ‘Nonno’. To truly understand the magnitude of this moment, we must look back to where it all began.
The Story of a Young Man's Challenge
The Balletto story begins in 1977, with the untimely loss of John’s father. At just 17 years old, John was thrust into a position of immense responsibility, stepping in to help his mother, Hazel, manage their small five-acre vegetable farm in Sonoma County. With his dreams of college sidelined and athletic scholarships put to the side, John chose to stay and honor his father’s vision. Driven by a determination to provide for his family, he poured his energy into growing the modest family farm. By the late 1980s, the Balletto’s had not only persevered but also expanded the farm, turning it into the largest vegetable operation in Northern California.
Through sheer grit and ambition, John and his family grew their small holding into a 700-acre enterprise, cultivating over 70 different vegetables and distributing more than 1 million cases annually at its peak. But as the 1990s came to an end, challenges loomed. Water shortages, the impact of NAFTA, and devastating El Niño storms threatened the viability of the vegetable farming business.
Enter Warren Dutton, a trusted friend and Sonoma County wine pioneer. Dutton suggested a bold change in direction: pivot from farming water-intensive vegetables to growing grapevines, a crop better suited to the region’s climate and natural conditions. Inspired by this advice and by the potential of the Russian River Valley, John and Terri Balletto planted their first vineyards in the mid-1990s in the Sebastopol Hills.
The transition wasn’t easy. It required significant time, investment, and blind faith in a new venture. Over the span of three years, the Balletto’s converted their vegetable fields into vineyards, cultivating primarily Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. By 2001, they released their first vintage, featuring 391 cases of Chardonnay and 689 cases of Pinot Noir. It was a pivotal moment that marked the beginning of a new chapter.
The move into winemaking was about more than business; it represented their ability to adapt, innovate, and grow - even in the face of adversity. Their first vintage, crafted from their own Russian River Valley grapes, quickly garnered attention for its quality and craftsmanship. Today, Balletto Vineyards remains a family-owned operation, producing 20,000 to 25,000 cases annually while continuing to partner with other esteemed winemakers in Sonoma County.
Beyond the stats and accolades, Balletto Vineyards reflects the enduring principles that turned a small family farm into a thriving vineyard. And the vision of John Balletto, the father of it all. This include a passion for the land, an unwavering commitment to quality, and the ability to turn hardships into triumphs.
A Recipe for Father's Day
No Father’s Day celebration is complete without good food and, of course, a perfect wine pairing. This year, we’re spotlighting Terri Balletto’s recipe for mouthwatering barbecue ribs, an all-time family favorite. These zesty, fall-off-the-bone ribs are a labor of love, just like the vineyard itself.
Pair them with Balletto’s Zinfandel for an unforgettable dining experience. Our Zinfandel delights with bold, fruity notes and a smooth finish, perfectly complementing the rich, smoky flavors of barbecue. Whether you’re celebrating at a backyard party or a cozy family dinner, this pairing promises to create lasting memories.
Terri Balletto’s Barbecue Ribs
Ingredients:
2 racks of baby back ribs
1 cup barbecue sauce
2 tbsp brown sugar
1 tsp smoked paprika
1 tsp garlic powder
Salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
Preheat your grill to medium heat.
Season ribs with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and garlic powder.
Place ribs on the grill and cook for 30 minutes on each side.
Brush with barbecue sauce and sprinkle brown sugar over ribs during the last 10 minutes of grilling.
Pair with a glass of our Zinfandel. Enjoy!
A Toast to Legacy
The story of our vineyards is more than just the tale of a world-class vineyard; it’s a testament to a family’s resilience and spirit. From five acres of vegetables to 700 acres of premium Sonoma County vineyards, every step of this incredible journey celebrates the bonds of family and the pursuit of excellence.
This Father’s Day, as you enjoy a glass of Balletto wine, take a moment to reflect on John Balletto’s remarkable legacy. Raise a toast to his parents for instilling in him the values that shaped his life. And above all, celebrate the moments that make family and community so meaningful.
