Robert Renzoni Winery in Temecula, California, is a warm, family-owned vineyard with a history that stretches back more than a century to the late 1800s. The Renzoni family’s story begins in 1886 near Fano, a small village in Italy, where Robert’s great-grandfather, Federico, first learned the craft of winemaking, making wine for his family and friends. This small start laid the groundwork for a multi-generational passion for wine.
Family History and Roots
Federico moved to America as a young man. First, a fisherman in Connecticut, he later moved to Buffalo, New York, and started a cordial business with his brother-in-law, Romeo Battistoni. That business stopped during Prohibition in 1918, but after Prohibition ended in 1933, they returned to the wine world by importing wines from Italy and France.
Federico’s son, Domenic, joined the family business in 1934, helping expand their wine import and distribution. Over the years, the family built connections with several important Italian winemakers, many of whom became well known in California’s wine scene.
Robert Renzoni’s Journey
Robert Renzoni, the current owner and namesake of the Temecula winery, was born into this proud legacy. Starting in the late 1980s, he worked in the family wine business in Buffalo. After some time in Los Angeles’ wine and liquor scene, Robert and his family moved to Temecula in 2004, returning to their roots to establish their own vineyard. In 2006, they purchased land on De Portola Road in the Temecula Valley and began planting vineyards and developing what is now Robert Renzoni Winery.
Location and Vineyard Details
The winery is located at 37350 De Portola Road, Temecula, CA 92592, set in the beautiful “Valle de los Caballos” area of the Temecula Valley. This area offers gentle breezes, lovely views, and a perfect climate for growing grape varieties of Italian origin. The property includes about 12 to 13 acres of vineyards planted to classic Italian and Bordeaux grapes like Sangiovese, Montepulciano, Cabernet Sauvignon, Zinfandel, and others.
These vineyards benefit from varied sun exposure, elevation, microclimates, and soil types, which combine to give the wines a unique quality and flavor.
Tasting Room and Winemaking Style
One of the winery’s special features is its Tuscan-style tasting room and front patio, designed to create a warm and inviting atmosphere that connects visitors with the family’s Italian heritage and passion for winemaking. The winery effort blends traditional Italian winemaking techniques with the sunny and ripe fruit character typical of California wines. This blend results in approachable, smooth, and flavorful wines that appeal to both casual drinkers and wine lovers alike.
Visitor Experience
Visitors to Robert Renzoni Winery don’t just enjoy wine; they get to experience a full Italian-style winery visit. They can taste a range of wines in a relaxed setting, learn about the family’s long history, and enjoy the peaceful countryside scenery. The winery also has picnic grounds with shady oak trees, misters, and live music on certain days to add to the relaxing experience.
Nearby, Mama Rosa’s Trattoria serves Italian-inspired dishes made with care, including a brick oven that adds authentic flavors to the food. The restaurant is the only one in the Temecula Wine Country with a brick oven, making it a unique dining spot that pairs perfectly with the wines.
Sustainability
Robert Renzoni Winery places a strong emphasis on sustainability. Their vineyard care focuses on soil health and using eco-friendly practices that help protect the land, ensuring it can keep producing great grapes for many years to come. This respect for nature fits with the family’s commitment not only to quality but also to their role in the community and environment.
Winery Hours and Visit Information
The winery is open every day of the week for visitors. The tasting room and front patio are open daily from 11 AM to 6 PM, with the tasting areas designated for guests aged 21 and over on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays.
Live music weekends add to the friendly, inviting atmosphere, making it a lively spot for visitors who enjoy good food, wine, and music. Picnic grounds are available without reservations, though large group bookings can be arranged by contacting the winery.
A Legacy of Family and Wine
The Robert Renzoni family legacy is more than a business; it is a story of love, tradition, and care. From Italy to California, their wines tell the story of hard work, heritage, and a dream fulfilled. When you visit their winery, you get to enjoy not only great wines but also a warm, genuine experience that welcomes everyone like family.
Whether you live nearby or are visiting the Temecula Valley, Robert Renzoni Winery offers a wonderful escape into wine country with genuine family hospitality, tasty wines, beautiful views, and delicious Italian food. It’s a place where history meets the present in every bottle shared and every smile from the friendly staff.
Sources: temeculawines.org, robertrenzonivineyards.com
Header Image Source: Denis Sousa on Unsplash
