Ray Teldeschi Vineyards

Nestled in the heart of Dry Creek Valley, Ray Teldeschi's meticulous vineyard has highly sought after grapes. His head pruned Zinfandel vines date back over 115 years. Old vine field selections were taken to plant a new section. UC Davis recognized this vineyard by archiving it in the ZAP Heritage Zinfandel project. Ray's reputation as a remarkable farmer shows in the fruit quality.

The vineyard follows an easterly slope up to the bench land, one level above the valley floor, with volcanic soil that contributes a signature spice to much of Ray's fruit. Southern exposure guarantees plenty of sunlight and the valley's warm days followed by cool nights result in perfect conditions for red varietals such as Zinfandel, Cabernet and Syrah. The Teldeschi Vineyard has quintessential Dry Creek Zinfandel flavor profiles.

Ray's family immigrated to the Dry Creek Valley from the hills of Tuscany in the early 1900s. After working vineyards for years throughout the valley, Ray's father Mike purchased the ranch in 1947. This is where Ray grew up, working the vines ever since high school. So if he seems at home in the vineyards, that's because he is.

Has he learned any secrets to success over the years? Ray claims there's no secret, no magic. "A vineyard is just a big garden," says Ray. "Excellent soil and climate are the keys to everything. They control the flavor." As Ray says, "The flavor is in the soil." (That, and let's be honest, a healthy dose of Ray's green thumbs.)