Although the company was founded in 2001 by Don Sebastiani and his two sons Donny and August, their history of winemaking dates back to the late 19th century. In 1895 Italian immigrant Samuele Sebastiani arrived in Sonoma County in Northern California, and worked transporting paving stones by horse-drawn cart. In 1904 with 9 years savings from his job he made his first batch of wine, selling it from the back of his cart, and so the Sebastiani wine business was born. In 1909 Samuele acquired the site of the present winery, originally built by Franciscan monks, which he added to. Samuele became known as a skilled winemaker and the reputation of his wines grew. During Prohibition he obtained a winery license, which meant he could continue making wine for the church and medicinal purposes. The company remains family owned, run today by Donny Sebastiani, the great grandson of Samuele. The focus is on the production of appellation-driven classic Californian varietal wines from mainly Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir, Merlot, Petite Syrah, Old Vine Zinfandel, Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc from select vineyards throughout Sonoma County. A large Central Valley-based portfolio is produced including the Smoking Loon brand, which is an easy-drinking unpretentious fruit-forward range, and Gunsight which deliver rich and intense wines. But Sebastiani are perhaps best known for their The Crusher range, so named because crushing the grapes is the first precious moment in the winery's winemaking process, where they begin their journey to the glass. These are complex and flavourful wines, full of juicy fruit and beautifully balanced. Don Sebastiani & Sons’ innovative wines are made with the industrious and entrepreneurial spirit of Samuele the patriarch. The quality of the wines is unfailingly consistent and they represent astounding value for money!
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