Fontanella Family Winery

Fontanella Family Winery is a small, family-run Mount Veeder estate that delivers mountain-grown wines of genuine quality at prices that are remarkably fair for the appellation. Founded in 2006 by Jeff and Karen Fontanella, both of whom left careers in other industries to pursue winemaking, the estate occupies 7 acres of steep, terraced vineyard at an elevation of 1,500 feet on the Mayacamas Range. Jeff Fontanella studied winemaking at UC Davis and worked at several Napa estates before planting his own vineyard, bringing both formal education and practical experience to the mountaintop.

The 7-acre vineyard is planted on the thin, volcanic soils that characterize Mount Veeder, with the steep terrain requiring hand-farming at every stage. The elevation places the vines above the fog line, where they receive intense direct sunlight during the day and cool rapidly at night, creating the wide diurnal temperature swings that produce deeply colored, intensely flavored grapes. The small scale of the operation means that Jeff and Karen can attend to every vine personally, making decisions based on what the mountain tells them rather than what the market demands.

Jeff Fontanella makes the wines himself, producing Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, and Zinfandel from the estate vineyard. The Cabernet is classic Mount Veeder: dark, tannic, and mineral-driven, with the wild, untamed character that distinguishes mountain wines from their valley-floor counterparts. The Chardonnay, from the vineyard's coolest blocks, is crisp and bright, avoiding the heavy oak and butter that dominate many California examples. The Zinfandel, from older vines, is spicy and structured. Prices across the portfolio are notably moderate for mountain-grown wines.

Tastings at Fontanella are by appointment and conducted on the estate, often by Jeff and Karen themselves. The intimate setting and personal attention create an experience that feels more like visiting friends in the mountains than touring a commercial winery. The views from the vineyard terrace, looking out over the forested slopes of the Mayacamas Range, are spectacular. At $50, the tasting is among the most affordable on Mount Veeder.

Fontanella represents the accessible end of mountain winemaking, a place where the quality is serious but the prices and the atmosphere are welcoming. For visitors who want to experience Mount Veeder terroir without the premium pricing and exclusivity that characterize some of the mountain's more famous estates, Fontanella offers a genuine, personal, and affordable alternative.