Featured Winemaker
Loretta Zanatta
Loretta Zanatta - Photo byAdrian Brijbassi/Vacay.ca
Loretta is the co-owner and winemaker at Vigneti Zanatta winery and vineyards.
The vineyards were planted in the early 60'sDionisio (Dennis) Zanatta came to Canada in the 1950s from his home in Treviso, Italy. bY cahnce he found himself involved in the Duncan Project or Becker Experiment, from 1981-1986, Dennis volunteered one acre of the Zanatta farm to the British Columbia provincial government as a test site for numerous varieties of grapes.
Loretta Zanatta grew up inspired by her father’s enthusiasm for the art of winemaking and his dedication to the land. After completing her degree at the University of British Columbia, Loretta decided to continue her education in Italy, earning credentials from the University of Piacenza in Enology. During her time in Italy, Loretta studied viticulture with relatives and worked under a Spumante House in the doc region of Prosecco.
It was in Italy that Loretta became enamoured with the art and science of the champagne method of winemaking. She fell in love with the product and the process; the intricate care and attention it takes to create champagnes.
In 1996 Loretta and her husband, Jim Moody, took over Vinoteca, the Italian-influenced 1903 farmhouse that Loretta’s late sister, Ileana, lovingly converted to a tasting room, wine store and restaurant.
The Zanatta family operates a 25 acre vineyard in the northwest corner of the Cowhchan valley. Their historic family home was built in 1903. The 120 acre farm was originally the site of a dairy farm when the Zanatta's purchased it in 1958. Since then 30 acres have been planted in vines, including Ortega, Cayuga, Auxerrois, Pinot Grigio, Pinot Nero, Muscat, Merlot, and Madeleine X Sylvaner. The remainder of the farm is in pasture, hay fields, forest and old fruit orchards. Vinoteca, food and wine bar was established in May of 1996. This new venture for Vigneti Zanatta allows us to explore the fascinating art of pairing simple country cuisine the wines. Vinoteca was Ileana Zanatta's creation. She took the family's 1903 farm house, restored it as closely as possible to its original character, added her own unique style and created an eclectic place to dine or sip your afternoon away.
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~ Featured Winemakers
~ Featured Wine
~ Featured Winery
~ Women of Wine
~ Robert's Selections