Bella Sonoma Winery

Art has taken the same philosophy he uses with food, "Make it declicious and reasonably priced", and applied it to his new venture, wine. The name of the winery is "Bella Sonoma", meaning "Beautiful Sonoma", and it goes beautifully with his cuisine.

He began planting Pinot Noir grapes in 1998, and produced good table wine only 15 months later. His first commercial grapes, harvested in 2002, created a wine that captured a Gold Medal at the 2004 Harvest Fair.

Pinot was a perfect choice for Arturo, because the word means "pines", due to the cone-like shape of the grape clusters. And Monterey pines were grown for Christmas trees on the property before grapes. Pinot is also the perfect grape for the Sonoma Coast appellation, the largest and coolest, with its extensive exposure to the Pacific Ocean and marine influences.

The higher elevation on his mountain lowers the temperature by day and is usually above the fog by night. These characteristics, along with longer exposure to daylight, contribute to an extended growing season and grapes rich in tannins and extracted flavors. Pinot is a subtle grape, producing a light-bodied wine. It offers a supple, rounded, sensuous texture, and requires lots of attention while sipping, allowing the flavors to unfold.

Art has recently expanded his 50 acre vineyard to include Shiraz, Merlot, and Chardonnay. Bella Sonoma Pinot Noir 2002 can be purchased locally at Traverso's and Lola's Markets, and also at Mixx and The Tides Restaurants.

Another Gold Medal

Congratulations Art on another Gold Medal! At the 2001 Sonoma County Harvest Fair, Art received a Gold Medal for his Herbed Oil & Vinaigrette Salad Dressing.

Art Honored In Washington, D.C.

Congressional Record
Proceedings and Debates of the 107th Congress, First Session

Washington, Friday, February 23, 2001

House of Representatives

Remarks of the Honorable Mike Thompson
in Recognition of Art Ibleto

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize a good friend, Art Ibleto, who is being honored this month by the Sonoma County Democratic Central committee for his lifetime of achievements.

It is rare for one political party to pay tribute to a member of another political party, but Mr. Ibleto is a unique individual as his many accomplishments demonstrate.

As a young man during World War II in Italy, he joined the underground to fight against Nazi Germany and the Fascists. His specialty was demolition - planting explosives under bridges and railroads and in highway tunnels to hinder the German advance.

Following the war, Mr. Ibleto immigrated to the United States and eventually settles in Sonoma County where he worked in the fields picking vegetables and as a mechanic, truck driver and factory worker.

He married Vicki Ghiradelli in 1951 and they bought their first home and acerage in 1961. Art and Vicki raised hogs and cows and harvested potatoes, before moving on the more lucrative ventures of growing Christmas trees and building and renting duplexes.

Art and Vicky became members of the Petaluma Lodge of the Sons of Italy in 1958. Art served in various offices of his local lodge, including two terms as President. He served as Grand Deputy to the Santa Rosa Lodge for many years. He was also National State Delegate for 24 years, State Vice President for four years, and eventually attained the office of State President in 1995.

In 1974 Art started the Spaghetti Palace at the Sonoma County Fair as a United Lodges, Sons of Italy project. In a very short time, the Spaghetti Palace became the number one vendor at the county fair.

As a result of the success of the Spaghetti Palace, Art took on a new career of supplying local stores with his own line of Italian cuisine and catering special events. He is known throughout California for his savory dishes and has earned the title of the "Pasta King."

Mr. Speaker, because Art Ibleto's commitment to his native and adopted country and to the people of Sonoma County, it is fitting and proper to honor him today for his many accomplishments and contributions.

California Representative Mike Thompson

OTHER AWARDS:

1978 - California Legislature Resolution for work with The Order of Sons of Italy

1995 and 2001 - California State Senate Resolutions of Commendation

2003 - City of Santa Rosa Honorary Citizen Award

2005 - City of Rohnert Park Honorary Citizen Award

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