Collection

California Wines in the Italian Tradition

Like the Sicilian trinacria stamped on the label, the inspiration behind Clesi is a symbolic trifecta. Equal parts legacy, curiosity and culture, winemaker Chris Ferrara brings his Sicilian-American farming roots, love of eccentric varietals and reverence for Italian culture into his winemaking process.

Donning the surname of the winemaker’s great, great grandmother Anna Clesi Ferrara, Clesi’s wines are deeply influenced by Chris’ extensive travels throughout Italy’s wine regions. As a viticulturist, Chris immediately noted the similarities in climate and soils between parts of Italy and California and he naturally began planting old world varietals on the Central Coast, the results of which are beautiful food-focused wines that are iconic, restrained and elegant.