l’Uvaggio di Giacomo was begun in 1997 to craft distinctive wines from the notable Piemontese grape varieties Barbera and Nebbiolo when grown in California. Continually inspired by the efforts from best producers of Piemonte, both those following the more traditional methods and the new wave of modernists, we undertook our exploration and aspired to make an impact with grapes grown here.

Also the recent wines from the finest producers of Tuscany intrigued us to produce our own Sangiovese starting in 1999. Observing their efforts and tasting the wines from many of the best Tuscan estates convinced us this is another very interesting variety.

Looking to Gaja of Barbaresco who now produces a Brunello from Sangiovese in Montalcino or Antinori who is making Piemontese varieties in Alba - we realized throughout Italy there has been a blurring of traditional regional interests. So, we decided to blur our own self-imposed varietal boundaries as well.

We have applied our years of experience working with Italian grape varieties from throughout California and Italy to craft our wines. These cultivars forever taunt us with potential and we are presented with the continual challenge for the refinement of both viticulture and viniculture. Our mission has a singular focus and direction, to elevate the consumer awareness and acceptance of the Piemontese varieties Barbera and Nebbiolo and the Tuscan Sangiovese when grown and vinified in California.

A recent review by W. Blake Gray of The San Francisco Chronicle says of Uvaggio, "...[his] Barbera, Nebbiolo and Arneis are among the best of their kind in the United States."  Read the whole review here.