Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/2622
64 / the tasting panel / september 2009 T his is actually a compelling story about how things have evolved," says Mark Lyon, winemaker for Sebastiani Vineyards and Winery. Fourth-generation Sebastiani re- cently became a part of the Foley Family Wines portfolio, an already stellar group of wineries ranging from Santa Barbara County to Wash- ington's Walla Walla. Sebastiani is the first So- noma estate to be added to Foley Family Wines, and the acquisition seems to be a perfect storm of vineyard history, winemaker and wine group. The Sebastiani family has been making wine on this land since 1904, but the vineyards themselves reportedly date back to 1825, when they were first cultivated by the Franciscan mis- sionaries and Native Americans at Mission San Francisco Solano. Those vines, originally used to produce sacramental wine, have long since been replanted; but generations of Sebastianis, and now winemaker Mark Lyon, have honored the land's history by planting in the original ter- roir specific varieties that are integral to some of Sebastiani's most acclaimed blends. Mark Lyon has been with Sebastiani since 1979. After graduating from U.C. Davis, he worked at various wineries, including Paul Masson and Penfolds, but realized he wanted to come to Sonoma. At the time, Napa had already come into its own; but Sonoma was still an emerging area, and Mark wanted to be a part of it. Sebastiani was a great fit. THE TASTING PANEL enters the lair of Sebastiani Vineyards with winemaker Mark Lyon to experience this legendary Sonoma winery's terr-roar Sebastiani winemaker Mark Lyon. by Danny Ronen / photos by Jenn Farrington