Meet the Maker: Prima Materia

Explore unusual wines with seasoned wine maker Pietro Buttitta, the maker behind Prima Materia.

Refosco, Sagrantino, Negro Amaro, Aglianico; Pietro Buttitta didn't set out to make the expected. A childhood spent around agriculture, years cooking in Michelin-starred kitchens, and a deep obsession with Italian varietals led him to a 10-acre vineyard perched at 1,500 feet in Lake County's red volcanic soils — the kind of terrain that produces wines with genuine character and something to say.

Every vine is hand-farmed without herbicides or pesticides. Every wine is crafted in criminally small batches, unfined, unfiltered, and built for the curious drinker who wants something beyond the obvious. The SF Chronicle called his wines "balanced and vibrant." We'd call them a very welcome education.

Come and taste these off menu wines and let Pietro challenge everything you thought you knew about California wine. Just $20 per person to taste these unusual wines made from California grown grapes and spend the afternoon with the Maker.