The Moon Mountain District Winegrowers Association held its inaugural Reach for the Moon master class and grand tasting on June 3 at the Gallo Family’s historic Monte Rosso Vineyard. A portion of the proceeds will benefit the to La Luz Center, which supports family services, economic advancement and community engagement.
“As grape growers and winemakers in the Moon Mountain District, we carry on a generational commitment to serve as stewards of the AVA from which our highly regarded, small-production wines are sourced,” said Jim Momtazee, president of the Moon Mountain District Winegrowers Association and Proprietor at Moon Mountain Vineyard, Repris Wines and Pangloss Cellars. “Most of these wines are only available direct from the wineries or with limited distribution, so it’s a pleasure for us to share our wines at this first-of-its-kind event.”
A Grand Tasting
The tasting featured small-production wines from 24 association wineries. The wines were accompanied by a special menu from Joseph Paire, executive chef at Berkeley’s Claremont Club and Spa Hotel.
The tasting included Biale Vineyards, Gagnon-Kennedy Vineyards, Hanzell Vineyards, Kamen Estate, Kokomo Winery, Lasseter Family Winery, Louis M. Martini, Pangloss Cellars, Sojourn Cellars, Stone Edge Farm and many others.
One of the nation’s newest American Viticultural Areas (AVAs), Moon Mountain is perched on the Sonoma County side of the Mayacamas Mountains, with elevations between 400 and 2,200 feet. The district mainly grows Bordeaux varietals and Chardonnay, but also produces Zinfandel, Syrah and Pinot Noir. The AVA is well known for its early work in organic and biodynamic vineyards in the 1980s.
The Master Class
Renowned wine authority Antonio Galloni hosted the master class, which featured a curated selection of wines from the celebrated Moon Mountain District AVA. A private tour of the Monte Rosso Vineyard was hosted by Ranch Manager Brenae Royal.
The master class included a panel featuring winemakers from around the AVA: Jeff Baker, founding winemaker at Stone Edge Farm Estate Vineyards & Winery; Erich Bradley at Repris Wines; Danielle Langlois at Lasseter Family Winery; Mark Williams at Louis M. Martini; Jason Kesner at Kistler Vineyards and several others.
“Although the Moon Mountain District AVA is young, the region is steeped in history,” said Antonio Galloni. “Reach for the Moon! shines a light on the world-class wines being made in one of the most fascinating and storied viticultural areas in California.”