Evolution of a Winegrower Jim and Anita Forchini first came to Sonoma County in 1963. Jim had a degree in mechanical engineering and had been employed in southern California since 1960 working on NASA aerospace programs. Jim was offered a new job opportunity with a technology company in Santa Rosa that manufactured thin film coatings. With great enthusiasm they looked forward to moving back to northern California as Jim had been raised in the Bay Area. Soon after their relocation, Jim developed an interest in viticulture as a result of being surrounded by vineyards, drinking the premium wines of Sonoma County and making wine with friends. With this new acquired interest, they decided in 1971 to invest in a small ranch in the Russian River Valley which had an old vineyard and prune orchard. They soon became immersed in the renaissance of the Sonoma County wine industry that was in process of upgrading from older generic vineyards to premium wine grape varietals. Jim continued in engineering but his interest and investment in the wine industry continued to grow. After acquiring additional vineyard property in Dry Creek Valley in 1973, Jim was approaching a career crossroads. Torn between the demands of engineering, management, business travel, a growing family with three children, and operating 44 acres of vineyards in two locations, Jim made a career change in 1976 to devote more time to family and become a full time winegrower with the dream of someday building a winery. After his career change Jim purchased additional property in Dry Creek increasing his acreage to 91 and devoted his full energy to the development and replanting of their vineyards while gaining recognition as a quality winegrower. Finally in 1996 the time was right to build their long desired winery. They started small with a first year production of 426 cases of Zinfandel which won a gold medal in its first wine competition. Over the next four year period they increased production to 3000 cases and added Pinot Noir and Cabernet to their program. Today Forchini Vineyards & Winery makes six award winning estate grown, produced and bottled wines and remains family owned and operated. Jim makes the wine, Anita handles the office, Jim's son Andrew is responsible for the vineyard management and two other children and spouses help out when needed. Jim is thankful for the help and support from his family and gives credit to his engineering background as an invaluable asset in the success of the vineyards and winery. It has been a wonderful dream come true. |
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