Rotta Winery, founded in 1908 by the Rotta Family, is the only remaining family owned “original” winery in San Luis Obispo County. Mike Giubbini, grandson to the Rotta Family & Mark Caporale of Napa, have combined their talents to “bring back to life” the historic and rustic winery.

 

The original vineyard and winery were started in 1856 by a Frenchman named Adolph Siot, who later sold the successful enterprise to Joe Rotta in 1908. In the 1920s, Rotta then sold it to his brother Clement Rotta, who bonded the winery after Prohibition in the 1930s and forged the label into one best known for its hearty Zinfandels.

 

Rotta label is focusing on red wines such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Zinfandel, Merlot, and Black Monukka– a dessert wine and Zinfandel Port. A Chardonnay is also produced. The 20-acre dry farmed Rotta estate vineyard has 15 acres in Zinfandel and five in Cabernet Sauvignon.

 

The new tasting room is now open in a new building at the site of the old winery. The place is not far off the road located in a country setting. There is a large patio out front of the tasting room and a charming and cozy experience inside. The room is made from reclaimed wood and is warm and inviting. The wines are rich and flavorful and made with a fruit forward style. The Estate Zinfandel is their flagship wine and should not be missed.