Reece and Teresa Cordi hold an estate wine with picturesque scenery of northern Sutter Buttes.

LIVE OAK, CA (MPG) - “Family Farmed. Family Crafted,” is Cordi Winery’s motto.

From beginning to end, Reece and Teresa Cordi, along with daughters, Juleah and Emily, operate a “full production facility from vine to bottle and do it all by hand.” After a friendly welcome, they gave a tour of their property and shared in the wine making process. They also showed off the beautifully refurbished tasting room, which is a mid-1900’s bunkhouse that housed Hispanic workers at one time. They even placed their rustic style pavers one by one all by hand. It was refreshing to experience the Cordis utilizing the concept of ‘vertical integration’, where all production processes occur in-house. 

In addition, the Cordis have played an integral part in helping neighboring vintners start their businesses. Owners of the Munger Family Vineyard and Sicilia Vineyards make mention of the Cordis. 

A tractor sits in front of crops at Cordi Winery.

Prior to becoming vintners, they were almond growers. That changed during a 2008 winter storm when they lost the majority of their crops to powerfully strong winds. Although catastrophic, they knew they had three important things:  soil, climate, and aspiration. So, in the summer of 2009, they planted 300 Primitivo vines, and Sutter County’s very first commercial winery was born. Now, one could argue that the 2008 storm was a tragedy; then again, it could have been divine intervention. A few weeks ago, they celebrated their 15th anniversary.

What makes Cordi wines so unique?

Well, the Cordis specialize in 100% single varietal wines. Simply put: only one grape is used, which is on the label. They focus on the grapes’ characteristics and take steps to keep the quality preserved. Located at the Sutter Buttes base, the soil is rich and loamy; and the sunny, warm days followed by cool evenings make it the perfect climate.

Added to the mix is the wildlife scenery. Just a few miles from Gray Lodge Wildlife Area, the wild animals and birds spill over into surrounding areas. Spectacular views of the Northern Sutter Buttes provide the perfect backdrop to sit back, relax, and sip a glass of one of their award-winning 12 varietals in the vineyard, on the patio, or underneath the symbolic beauty of the winery’s weeping willow. 

Cordi Winery wooden barrels are used in the barrel aging process.

When life hands you lemons, toss them back and demand Cordi wines. Congratulations to 15 years, and here’s to a lifetime more.

Cordi Winery is open two weekends a month and is working on several upcoming events. They also offer a few wine club options and are carried at Yuba City’s Bel Air, Raley’s, and New Earth Market.

For more information, visit their website at www.cordiwinery.com. 

Cordi Winery refurbished their mid-1900 tasting room alongside a walnut tree.