Brandt Rossi Family Vineyards
Established in 2001, the Brandt Family winery released its first vintage in 2002 which included seven red varietals. Brian Brandt, owner and winemaker, focused on the type of red grape varietals that he personally likes and would enjoy nurturing throughtout the winemaking process.
A Family Adventure
Truly a friends-and-family affair, Brian and his wife Camille are assisted by a posse of wine-loving friends when it comes to the critical and time-sensitive process of crushing grapes, bottling and the myriad of other chores critical to a winery operation. In fact, "It takes a lot of beer to make a good wine" states Brian, referring to the "refresment-incentives" offered during the long hot days crushing of grapes.
Historically Important
Initially, the Brandts sought out the best local vineyards in the Cucamonga Valley for their grapes. The area, with its rich grape growing history, provided the prized grapes the fledging winery needed for its first vintage. The De Berard Vineyard, Lopez Ranch and Hofer Ranch produce a highly concentrated fruit from 50 to 75-year-old dry-farmed vines, a rare commodity in any region. Harvested at their peak, these prized grapes allowed the Brandts to create some very special and high quality red wines unique to the Inland Valley. Rich in color with a smooth yet full body, these wines reflect the passion and growing talent of the winemaker.
Seeking Out The Best
Winemaking is not limited to the region where the wine is made. Like many wineries, the Brandt Family Winery now brings in harvests from vineyards in other regions. Ripened fruit from the Ripken Vineyards, a well-respected grower in Lodi, California, is shipped via overnight truck to the Brandt's home winemaking facility in San Antonio Heights, just north of Upland at the base of Mount Baldy. A "beautiful" Petite Syrah is the result of such hard work. A strong fruit flavor with a long finish characterizes this popular wine, and is a mark of Brandt family wines.
