winery

Giornata Wines

United States

Philosophy

Italian-style winemaking emphasizing balance and subtlety over extraction; native fermentation in amphorae; minimal intervention approach. Grapes harvested at lower sugar levels, handled gently in cellar, resulting in wines structured for the Italian table with prominent acidity and tannin.

Reputation

Giornata's journey began with a dream to create wines from Italian grapes grown in California, employing the sensibility and philosophy of Italian winemaking, using the same clonal material as the best producers in Italy while recognizing that the Central Coast possesses many attributes of Italy's top wine regions. Founded by Brian Terrizzi, who trained under Paolo DeMarchi at Isole e Olena in Tuscany, and Stephanie Terrizzi, a viticulturist trained at Fresno State, the winery embodies a dual heritage of Italian winemaking tradition and California terroir.

AllocationGiornata describes farming as 'mixture of organic, biodynamic and regenerative methods' but explicitly states they are 'not formally certified.' They follow the Slow Wine Manifesto and are included in the 2024 and 2025 Slow Wine Guides, which impose strict sustainability rules but are not third-party certifications. Paso Robles Wine Country Alliance lists them with 'Biodynamic · Certified Sustainable' tags, but this appears to reference their manifesto compliance and personal practices rather than formal Demeter or CCSW certification. No formal certification body evidence found. No US importer identified despite searches—appears to sell direct-to-consumer via website and through UK distributor Boutinot. Founded year 2005 confirmed from multiple sources (wedding year when Brian married Stephanie at Fresno State). Founded as estate production, not micro-negoce or garage. Broadside Wines is a separate producer also owned by the Terrizzi team but not part of Giornata.

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