Sunland Vintage Winery

The story begins in the early 1900s when my grandfather, Giuseppe Giovinazzo, decided to break family traditions and pursue his dreams. He ventured north from the Puglia region in Italy to learn about the wine business. His searches took him to Abruzzo, where he learned about grapes. He was able to start Sunland Vintage Company in Los Angeles, California, incorporated in February 1935. By the time I was born Sunland Vintage Company no longer existed, so I was never allowed to experience my grandfather’s wine business first-hand.

Instead, I used my inherited analytical skills and became an I.T. professional, enjoying my moderate successes and partnering with my father and others in the ownership of racehorses. However, at age 55, I turned a page and began a new chapter in my life. And, to my surprise, I discovered that I also had an immense passion for winemaking as did my grandfather. Following my heart, and utilizing my business skills acquired over years of owning my consulting firm, I started Sunland Vintage Winery in early 2010. Sunland Vintage Winery has been focused on providing high-quality Italian varietals in modest numbers. Our inaugural wines were a 2009 Barbera, with grapes grown in Lodi, California, and a 2007 Nebbiolo from Santa Barbara County, reminiscent of those rich Italian Barolos.