Although located in Russian River Valley, famous for Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, one will not find these varieties at ACORN. The 32 acres of estate vineyards, which Bill and Betsy named Alegría (joy in English), are home to over 100 grape varieties including the original plantings and other blocks: Zinfandel (1890, 1950, 1987, 1992, 1997), Cabernet Franc (1991), Dolcetto (1991), Sangiovese (1991), Syrah (1991), Grüner Veltliner (2017), and Alvarinho (2017).

Interspersed throughout each block is the plethora of other varieties – nearly too many for any human to count – except for Bill. He purchased cuttings and planted them in the younger blocks established after he and Betsy assumed ownership to intentionally produce field blend wines, which means the grapes are grown and co-fermented together.

The Nachbaurs fondly call Alegría, “The United Nations of Grapes.”. Bill and/or Betsy personally host visitors by appointment outdoors near the vineyard, and occasionally indoors, depending on the weather. Bill enthusiastically leads vineyard tours to give guests a firsthand look at Alegría Vineyards.

The tastings are authentic and unpretentious and include the available wines of the moment, released only when they will show well (but can be cellared, too). The Nachbaurs only make around 2,000 cases annually, so availability is often short-lived. During a late February tasting, the Nachbaurs presented eight of their wines.