Wine

I have been an apprentice winemaker for many years, learning from the master, Mr. Bill, who has been making premium California zinfandel since 1974. I hope to continue making wine in his legacy (and that of his friend and mentor, Dave Bennion).

A few stories about Bill:

Bill Peterson makes Zinfandel wine from his home-based operation (InMenlo story by Linda Hubbard, a journalist with whom we randomly shared some of our Peterson zin at Camper restaurant in MP one evening):
THE TRESPASSER, A Documentary about Bill Peterson, A Private Winemaker:

Related stories about those related to our "family tree" of winemaking:

Wikipedia entry about David R. Bennion (founder and winemaker at Ridge Vineyards)
History of Ridge Vineyards and Ridge site
"Grape Expectations" - From the New York Times, March 17, 1991, Section 7, Page 11

"The rise and fall and rise of zinfandel is inextricably bound up with the story of Ridge Vineyards, a smallish winery in the Santa Cruz Mountains south of San Francisco that specializes in the wine, and with the two men who have guided Ridge since its beginning in 1959. Burly, laid-back David Bennion, a Stanford University engineer, was a Ridge founder and its first winemaker; Paul Draper, at one time affiliated with the Central Intelligence Agency, an intellectual enamored of Jungian psychology and a perfectionist in the cellar, joined Ridge in 1969. He replaced Bennion as winemaker in the 1970's and as president of Ridge in the 1980's. Bennion later died in an automobile accident on the Golden Gate Bridge."

Eric Baugher, winemaker (previously at Merus and formerly at Ridge, where he made wine in the Dave Bennion style and gave me lots of good advice on everything from barrels to submerged-cap fermentation, as well as many yummy tastings). He now makes wine at Gali Vineyards as well as his own privsate label, Deauratus.

And a few zinfandel stories and resources:

About our friend and long-time source for the grapes, Beni Dusi, and other worthy growers we work with

Wine History Project: Benito Dusi
- See also the following timeline entry:

"1967 - David Bennion, winemaker at Ridge Vineyards, drives all through California looking for old Zinfandel vines to source grapes. He drives by the vineyards of Benito Dusi, drives onto the property and knocks on the front door of their home. Dave is invited to share a dinner of polenta and stew with Benito and Caterina Dusi. Dave Bennion bought five tons of Zinfandel grapes from Benito on a handshake. The following year, Ridge Vineyards produces a successful Zinfandel wine and makes a deal with Benito Dusi to buy 97% of his harvest. This agreement is still in effect in 2019; it is the longest running contract is San Luis Obispo County."

Honoring Paso Robles Zinfandel Grape Grower Benito Dusi
The Story of Benito Dusi and Ridge Paso Robles Zinfandel
Following the zinfandel trail through California (nice story about Beni's grand-niece Janell, who makes lovely wine herself, and whose father Mike grows amazing grapes, continuing Beni's and Dante's family tradition and our relationship with the Dusi family)
Joe Duarte provided us with grapes for the first three vintages I made at Valley Forge (2017, 2018, and 2019). Here is another article about grapes from Oakley and Contra Costa County, including Duarte.
David Darlington - Angels' Visits: An Inquiry into the Mystery of Zinfandel

More than 30 years after this was published, it has held up like a great wine. It’s a fascinating read and snapshot of a crucial period in the history of zinfandel. The first-hand discussions with some of the pioneers complement all the hear-say there is about who did what to discover how to make great zins. Even though we are a couple of generations of winemakers down the road and many other greats have emerged in the intervening years, I loved the connection this book made with those early days. The book is very approachable, while not shying away from some philosophical musings.

Charles L. Sullivan - Zinfandel: A History of a Grape and Its Wine

"Charles Sullivan, a leading expert on the history of California wine, has at last written the definitive history of Zinfandel... In this lively book, Sullivan dispels the false legend that has obscured Zinfandel's history for almost a century, reveals the latest scientific findings about the grape's European roots, shares his thoughts on the quality of the wines now being produced, and looks to the future of this remarkable grape." (Bill knew Charles Sullivan, who is local to the South Bay).

Sue Crane - Behind the Barrels: The Women of Ridge

"In her account of the birth of Ridge Winery, Sue Crane recounts the madness of those early years, when she and her husband Hew, along with Fran and Dave Bennion and Blanche and Charlie Rosen, risked life, limb and poison oak to reclaim a scrappy vineyard remnant on Monte Bello Road in Cupertino and turn it into an iconic and well-known brand worldwide." https://www.mercurynews.com/2023/09/03/new-book-goes-behind-the-barrels-at-ridge-winery/ (Sue sent a copy to Bill).

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