Vellutini Ranch

russian river valley

Vellutini Ranch vineyard borders Jackass Vineyard and the backside of Jackass Hill. It is named after Luisa Martinelli’s family, the Vellutinis, who lived on this property. Albert Vellutini was Lee Sr.’s age and they used to fish in the streams and hide from the truant officer when they were kids on this property. They had more fun playing cat and mouse with the truant officer who did not know the creeks and valleys as well as they did. There’s a story where the officer followed the boys into the stream to catch them, only to lose the boys and his own rubber boot in the deep mud of the creek. It was the crowning moment for such mischievous boys. It is a special property with its remaining fruit orchards from the Vellutini family and now Zinfandel and Syrah vineyards. The Zinfandel vineyard was made from cuttings from Jackass Hill and Jackass Vineyard.