From Chemical Engineer to Winemaker
What’s a logical retirement plan for a chemical engineer who sells his successful industrial water treatment company?
For Chuck Bellante, the answer was simple: open a boutique winery.
In 2015, Chuck and his wife, Sheri, turned their winemaking hobby into Bellante Family Winery and, two years later, opened a tasting room on Via Fabricante in Mission Viejo. They specialize in viognier, pinot noir and Rhône-style red, and no, their grapes aren’t grown here in Mission Viejo—they’re sourced from top vineyards in Santa Barbara County.
The Bellantes say that Chuck’s chemical engineering background plays an important role in crafting their wine. “He knows how to extract flavors really well from grapes,” says Sheri. “He approaches winemaking a little differently than a lot of wineries, because he’s not afraid to take chances and try new things.”
The company produces about 1,000 cases annually, the majority going to Bellante wine club members.
Tastings at Bellante Family Winery are available Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays.
