Roar Wines

Gary & Rosella Franscioni, third-generation farmers whose families have been farming for over 100 years, realized the potential of the Santa Lucia Highlands as a viticultural area and began growing Chardonnay and Pinot Noir in 1996. The first vintage in 2001 was highly acclaimed, and in 2007, Ed Kurtzman took over the winemaking duties and the wines became increasingly well-known and difficult to find even in the United States.

Although Roar Wines are highly acclaimed by wine reviewers, the winery remains family-owned and operated and is not large by any means. Gary & Rosella's two sons grew up watching their parents work the land. Now, Adam is in charge of vineyard management and Nick is managing winemaking. The winery currently produces wines from five vineyards, including the vineyard it shares with Gary Pisoni. Scott Shapely is in head winemaker who previously worked as winemaker at Siduri. In 2012 Roar was selected as one of Wine Spectator's "Top 100" wines of the year. The Francioni family is truly a family-run business, and everything from vineyard management to blend formulation is discussed with the entire family, but Rosella seems to have the final say.