Milano Family Winery, located in the historic hop kiln just south of Hopland, was acquired by Ted and Deanna Starr in 2001. Deanna is the winemaker.
Deanna worked in healthcare for over 20 years, starting out as a Registered Nurse, then spent many years in management for physician medical groups and home healthcare. All of that chemistry background comes in very handy – analyzing wine for just the right balance of components. Besides having had long time interest in wine and winemaking, she is also a gourmet cook who is using her tastebuds to creating flavorful, memorable wines – leaving you always wanting to come back for seconds!
The Starrs love of wine has led them to collecting fine wines. They have an extensive personal cellar and have a passion for Port.
The winery’s name has changed back to the original name of Milano. Many of you may have known the winery as Milone. The winery has operated continuously in the old hop kiln since 1977. The winery produces small lots of handcrafted wines using traditional methods. New creations, in addition to their signature Cabernets and Zinfandels, include Carignane, Syrah, Petite Sirah, Cabernet/Syrah blend, Merlot, Petit Verdot, Late Harvest Zin, Port and more.
A Hopland Tradition
The Milano Family Winery is located in Mendocino County near the town of Hopland. Founded in 1977, it is a family operation with deep historical roots in the Hopland wine growing area.
Achilles Rosetti, operated the first winery in Hopland - until prohibition. At about the same time Vincenzo (Jimmy) Milone made his way from Brindisi, Italy to Hopland. He married Achilles' daughter Mary, and along with their son, Frank farmed pears, prunes, hops and grapes. By the mid 1940's the hop business was booming. It was then that Frank and Jimmy Milone built a hop kiln where they dried hops until 1954 when the hop industry declined. Twenty-two years later, the hop kiln was converted into what is now Milano Family Winery.
Stop by and see one of the last remaining original
hop kilns in Mendocino County!