Spring on the Farm
When you visit Bacigalupi’s tasting room, you see the working farm that’s been the playground, classroom, and office for twins Katey Bacigalupi Row and Nicole Bacigalupi Dericco (a.k.a. Nicci) since they were kids. They loved to ride the tractor with their dad and grandpa in the spring because of all the baby animals they would see. Nicci recalls, “One day, Dad found an abandoned baby jack rabbit and brought it home. We raised it for a year. It even had its own harness and leash.”
Today, they share experiences on the ranch with their young kids. They love to take them fishing at the lakes on the property or by the river. Nicci says, “It’s stunning here in spring. The flowers are blooming, everything is coming to life, and the fresh air makes for great family experiences. We like to hike and picnic here, too.”
For Katey, spring is always a magical time on the ranch, “It’s when cover crops like mustard and clover carpet the ground and buds break. I love examining them and thinking about the leaves and grapes that will follow from one little bud. Grapevines are amazing plants!”
Grape growing and winemaking are in Katey and Nicci’s DNA. Though they’re both college-educated and plugged into the broader industry, their farming and winemaking education is rooted in the nuances unique to the family’s Russian River property. Throughout the year, they walk it with their father and mother, John and Pam, foreman, Edilberto, and winemaker, Ashley. Their tasting room is also where the winemakers from their many vineyard designates drop in to check on the grapes, gossip and compare notes with the family.
The Bacigalupi tasting room nestles between Bloom and Goddard Ranches. During winter and early spring, a small creek runs alongside the outdoor tasting areas, making them the most peaceful and relaxing place to sip a glass of wine in the temperate climes of spring. The sounds of the water, birds, and even the cows can be heard mooing when they decide to dine on a slope of grass nearby.
Katey and Nicci are proud of the wines in this spring’s release. As foodies, they also have a bounty of recipes to pair with them. Katey says, “We love trying new things and family favorites. One of my favorite main dishes for spring is Pasta Primavera. It’s a pasta dish with prosciutto or pancetta that can have many variations of vegetables (peas, zucchini, mushrooms) and a lemon cream sauce. Depending on which combination of ingredients I choose, I’ll pair it with our Chardonnay or Bloom Ranch Pinot Noir.”
Nicci’s family plants and preps their garden. She said, “I love starting veggies and herbs from seed and planting them in late spring. My favorite dish for spring is lamb. It always tastes so fresh, and we are so lucky to have amazing lamb raised right here in Sonoma County! Depending on how I make it, I’ll pair lamb with any of our Pinots or the Petite Sirah.”
Katey and Nicci are incredibly excited to welcome you to their family’s farm this spring! When the weather is warm enough (around April), you can sign up for a new intimate Vineyard Tour and Tasting* to experience spring on the family farm with them.
Vineyard Hike and Wine Tasting Experience
Join fifth generation Sonoma County native Nicole Bacigalupi Dericco on a special access experience of Bacigalupi Vineyards. Currently offered every Friday beginning in April/May at 10:00 a.m.
Your guided journey begins at the Bacigalupi estate tasting room with a splash of 2023 Rosé of Pinot Noir. Following a brief introduction Nicole will share our stories of our vast family history, farming and winemaking philosophy on a guided hike through the property.
This moderate hike passes through several of our estate farmed vineyards before a break at a vista that provides an excellent back drop for photos of the Russian River Valley.
You will then descend into our newest vineyard offering and explore our Sauvignon Blanc vines and the vast ecosystem that contributes to our farming practices. The vineyard tour will conclude under a shaded veranda with a seated wine tasting of our small production estate wines followed by a cheese and charcuterie offering.
This experience will be approximately 90 minutes and will contain hills and some uneven terrain. Good footwear is recommended as well as a hat or sunglasses. We require a minimum of 4 guests to conduct the experience. This experience is communal with groups of 8 or less combined.
