The partnership of two brothers, Victor and Henry Belmonte, and their parents was established in the spring of 1999. Although the 1999 harvest brought the first vintage under the name of VJB Vineyards & Cellars, wine has been a constant in the Belmonte family for many generations. The bright smile of Vittorio greeting you in our Tasting Room today was once the little boy helping his older brother Gennaro and his father Enrico in the family vineyards in southern Italy. They produced wines from the Primitivo, Coda di Volpe, Aglianico and Piccolit varietals and the fruits of their labor were enjoyed when the family gathered for ‘cena’ every evening.

This lifestyle was not forgotten by young Vittorio as he traveled with his wife Maria to the United Sates in 1963. After spending 12 years in Boston, in hopes of settling in an environment that mirrored his homeland, Vittorio and Maria decided to move west with their two small sons, Henry and Victor. The rolling hills laden with vineyards of Sonoma Valley bared a close resemblance to Vittorio’s hometown of Bonito in southern Italy. It was the beauty and bounty of the valley that inspired a new, but surely not foreign venture – combining the cornerstones of their heritage: food & wine.

Maria and Vittorio had the common vision of sharing the flavors and many unique tastes of their background with others. This inspiration created their popular family owned restaurant. Many times Henry and Victor had discussed their mutual dream of making their own wines as their father Vittorio had in Italy. After years in which their restaurant patrons enjoyed many distinctive local wines, Henry and Victor wanted to produce and bottle premium wines under their own name.

With the unexpected passing of young Victor in 2000, the family designed their label in his honor utilizing Victor’s initials VJB (Victor Joseph Belmonte). The family began devoting their efforts and their energy towards their vineyards and winemaking.

With the May 2003 opening of the VJB Vineyards & Cellars Tasting Room in Kenwood locals and tourists alike can enjoy the limited production boutique style varietals that are sold exclusively at our facility and, now, through our highly acclaimed wine club; Club Enoteca. Our Estate vineyards are planted to Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Sangiovese, Montepulciano and Aglianico.

As a family we have been working towards producing the finest
wines Sonoma Valley has to offer. When drinking our wines
reach towards the sky, toast a loved one and pour yourself another glass!

CONTACT US:
VJB Vineyard & Cellars
9077 Sonoma Highway
Kenwood, CA 95452
Open Daily 10am-5pm
(707) 833-2300
ljohn@vjbcellars.com