In 1947 New York City brothers John and Mario Trinchero ventured to California and purchased the venerable Sutter Home Winery in Napa Valley. 11 years later, Mario's son Bob joined in as winemaker, and later his younger brother Roger

On the advice of Darrell Corti of Corti Brothers gourmet grocery in Sacramento, the family bought zinfandel grapes from 100 year old vines of Amador County. The first vintage, 1968, became a legend, establishing Sutter Home as a maker of fine wines as well as jug wines.

However, the zinfandel that brought the Trincheros 'Sutter's Gold' was of a different ilk. Due to a stuck fermentation, a vat of 1974 Zinfandel turned out blush colored, with 2% residual sugar. Coined 'White Zinfandel', it became such a runaway success that by 1987 it was America's top-selling wine.

This brought the Trincheros the resources to establish their own Napa Valley estate and produce top flight cabernet sauvignons. And to buy other Napa Valley wineries such as Napa Cellars and Folie a Deux. And, eventually, to venture into imported wines. There are now nearly 50 brands in the portfolio, some of which we've spotlighted at previous Ann Arbor Tasters Guild events, such as Jeff Myers of Terra d'Oro and Bruce Neyers of the eponymous winery.

Bob Trinchero himself came in for one of our dinners at Moveable Feast on Liberty years back 103 attendees filled every room in the building--a record turnout.

Our presenter, Jodi Holden CSW, has been a friend of Sally and me for decades, first selling for Viviano Wine Importers and later taking a position with Trinchero Family Estates, which she will very capably represent on April 16. Samples will be sent ahead to the Grange Kitchen staff for menu inspiration, the menu to be posted and emailed when available. Here's what I have in mind, wine-wise:

Here's the WINE LIST

AVISSI PROSECCO

RIAS BAIXAS ALBARINO ABBADIA DE SAN CAMPIO, TERRAS GAUDA

ECHO BAY MARLBOROUGH SAUVIGNON BLANC

NAPA CELLARS NAPA VALLEY PINOT NOIR

COTES DU RHONE, BIELER PERE

SARDON DE DUERO, QUINTA SARDONIA

TRINCHERO ESTATE MARIO'S NAPA VALLEY CABERNET SAUVIGNON/b>