Bello Family Vineyards proprietor, Michael Bello, weekended in Napa Valley for over 13 years before finally embracing his deep passion for wine and realizing his dream of owning a winery. While initially scouring the valley for real estate investment opportunities and a wine country plot to retire on, Bello found himself inspired to enter the business. In 2000, he purchased land in Rutherford and began construction on what would become Bello Family's vineyard estate. Construction on the French style farmhouse took four years, using materials imported directly from France. Bello employed renowned vineyard management veteran, David Abreu, and elite winemaker, Aaron Pott, to head up operations for Bello Family. The team decided to entirely replant the land's current grapes, and remove the chardonnay to make room for Bordeaux grapes as per Bello's personal preference of red varietals. The first Bello Family vintage is 2004. That same year Bello purchased a tasting room property at 929 Main St. in St. Helena, and his passion for winemaking manifested into a reality. Just five years later, Bello Family's 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon received a score of 94 points by Robert Parker, and later won the 2013 Hilton Head Island Wine and Food Festival Best of Show Award.The tasting room was designed by a Los Angeles native, Rey Viquez, and the designer's background shows through in the construction. The tasting room's unassuming exterior hides the high-concept contemporary décor of the building's interior. Nicknamed “Club Bello” for its vibrant lighting, sleek design, and modern attributes, the Bello Tasting Room resembles more of a James Bond style man-cave than a Napa Valley wine bar. The unique atmosphere separates itself from the common French, Italian, or Spanish styles to create a youthful spirit more in tune with the future of the California wine industry, rather than its brief history. Upon first walking into the Bello Tasting Room, the oversized chandelier of 200 red bottles hanging over the circular tasting bar immediately captures the eye. The bar is made of quartz and lights up from the inside, while silver tufted panels wrap around the base to complement the room's modern, almost futuristic aura. Aside the main tasting room is a private room dedicated to more intimate tasting sessions. This room has a large mirrored table, antique crystal chandelier, and fireplace. The building has another private room known as the Megahertz room, named after Michael Bello's champion racehorse. The room features all of Megahertz' accomplishments as well as a large flat screen TV that showcases horse racing for guests' entertainment. Visit their website ContactBello Family Vineyards929 Main St. St. Helena, CA 94574(707) 967-8833info@bellofamilyvineyards.comTasting Room is open 7 days a week from 10am – 6pmReservations are not required, but recommended.
