Brutocao Vineyards & Cellars

Calling the Brutocao wine center, at Schoolhouse Plaza in Hopland, a tasting room is like calling a peacock a bird. There is, certainly, a magnificent room in which to taste the Brutocao wines, but it is just part of the dream-come-true complex that Leonard and Marty Brutocao have created within the walls of the old Hopland High School, established in 1921.

When the Brutocaos purchased the old buildings they began transforming the setting into a wine country destination with Olympic-approved bocce courts, a magnificent tasting hall and gift center, an expanse of lawn for entertainment events, a conference center and an excellent restaurant and bar. Today all of those elements are attracting local patronage and visitors from all across the country. This year great numbers of international guests are expected when Brutocao hosts the 2002 International Bocce Games competition.

The bocce contest is just one of the attractions on the schedule, which includes the winery’s popular Lavender Festa saluting the 6000 thriving Lavender de Provence plants growing in the Plaza and on the hillside. There are several special events during the year designed exclusively for members of the Lion of St. Mark’s Wine Club, and the three conference rooms: Bliss (which has a portable bocce court so play can continue during inclement weather), Feliz and Contento are attracting groups seeking pleasant quarters for their meetings, receptions and seminars.

In partnership with the Crushed Grape restaurant in the former school, Brutocao stages winemaker dinners, cioppino feeds and brunches. A complete events schedule may be found at their website: www.brutocaocellars.com.

The wine tasting area can be reached from the patio which overlooks the bocce courts, or through an entry hall beside the restaurant. Along the south wall a series of glass-fronted cases holds memorabilia from high school days, and more photographic reminders of the days of a less harried era decorate the walls. The gifts themselves are almost all tied to nature in one way or another, and most are to be found only here.

Beneath a splendid mural depicting the historic St. Mark’s Cathedral is a 32′ serpentine bar at which samples of Brutocao wines are poured. Most of the 18 wines produced at Brutocao are available only at the tasting room, where at least four wines are open every day. There is no charge for sampling. A glance at the tasting list reveals that a good many of these wines are multiple medal winners at international competitions.

Open hours at the Brutocao Schoolhouse Plaza are ten am till five pm Sunday through Thursday, and ten till six Friday and Saturday. The entrance to the parking lot is at the south end of the buildings at 13500 Highway 101, Hopland. For information call 800-433-3689.