2005-05-27
by Tami Casias Whether hosting a gourmet dinner in a 1920s Pullman dining car or working on a blend in the expansive production area, it’s easy to see that Cline Cellars winemaker Charlie Tsegeletos enjoys his job.
“I’m always surrounded by people who like food and wine,” Tsegeletos said, who joined Cline Cellars three years ago.
Tsegeletos originally thought he would study engineering and chose UC Davis for geographical reasons – it wasn’t far from his family or Squaw Valley Ski Resort. After taking an agricultural science class he was hooked.
“I’ve always liked both plants and mechanics. I apprenticed in San Jose in the early ’80s and stuck with it,” Tsegeletos added. For 15 years he worked at another valley winery. When they sold and moved out of the area, he decided to stay.
“It’s been a wonderful quality of life decision,” he said. Tsegeletos now serves as vice president for the Sonoma Valley Vintners and Growers Alliance.
Located at the southern end of Arnold Drive, Cline Cellars sits on 350 acres with 170 acres planted in 16 grape varietals. A low, rose-covered stone wall borders the lengthy drive which opens up to extensive landscaping and an 1800s farmhouse now serving as the tasting room. The shady porch holds plenty of seating and overlooks one of six spring-fed ponds. Between the trailing willow branches swim large carp and a few turtles.
The land was originally dedicated for one of the California missions. Although the site was moved to the north in downtown Sonoma, a miniature mission built from authentic adobe bricks from the Swiss Hotel now serves as one of two locations for regular winemaker dinners.
“Visitors are free to walk around the grounds and enjoy the sights,” Tsegeletos said. Amidst the blooming walkway sits a century-old bathhouse that continues to draw from natural hot springs. A popular bathing spot for neighbors in the past, the inner walls include carved graffiti from the 1880s.
Fruit from the olive trees that line the walks are pressed and sold in the tasting room, along with picnic supplies and wine accoutrements.
Fronted by aviaries filled with exotic birds, a former indoor-horse arena now holds the warehouse, production area and barrel rooms.
“There’s nothing pretentious about it,” Tsegeletos said. The barrel rooms are often opened for local events. “We move the barrels and they dance around the place.”
Sales of Cline Cellars wines have been doing great, according to Tsegeletos, including a growing market in Sweden and Spain.
“It’s a small, tight-knit operation. We’re not competing with Cabernets and Chardonnays,” he added. “We’re doing non-mainstream varietals.”
Cline’s hillside rows of Syrah that face San Pablo Bay host panoramic views of the Carneros region, known for wind, fog and a lack of frost.
“The area is a fine growing region,” Tsegeletos said. “Syrah and Pinot Noir love this environment.”
The tasting room at Cline Cellars is located at 24737 Highway 121 in Sonoma County about ten minutes from the historic Sonoma Town Plaza. They are open to the public every day except Christmas from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. with tours at 11 a.m. and 1 and 3 p.m. There are also picnic tables available and arrangements for special events, private tours and more can be made with the winery. For more information you can reach them at (707) 940-4030 or 1-800-546-2070, or go on to the web to www.clinecellars.com.
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