Cynthia is the owner and winemaker of small lot boutique wines that include unoaked chardonnay, Pinot Grigio, Rose, Merlot, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon Blend, Pinot Noir and more.  Cynthia went from cop to artisan wine crafter, not a typical journey by any stretch. In 2004, I Cynthia left a 15-year Law Enforcement career to pursue that passion and family tradition of winemaking.

In 2007, our California woman in wine, decided it was time to start making her own wine. Cynthia had heard about this custom crush facility in San Francisco called Crushpad. She attended their open house and while talking to the head winemaker as to what she wanted to do she was soon hired on as the Lab Manager. During her time with Crushpad Cynthia added Pinot Grigio, a Rose, and Pinot Noir to the Passaggio brand.

Crushpad moved to Napa in 2010 and Cynthia was promoted to Winemaker. Cynthia was responsible for all the white wine making and lab as well. In 2011, Crushpad moved to Sonoma. It was at this time that Cynthia decided that it was time to branch out and just focus on Passaggio Wines so she moved her production to San Francisco. You can find Cynthia and her wines in beautiful Sonoma, on the Square.

“This has been an awesome journey to say the least...I can't wait to see what happens next... “

A bit about Cynthia’s and Passaggio wines

“Passaggio Unoaked Chardonnay” is fermented and aged in stainless steel. It is a brilliant pale straw color with layers of melon, mango, lemon lime and a robust minerality on the nose. The clean lingering finish has layers of citrus, lemon lime, hints of stone fruit, and is balanced with minerality. It pairs well with most seafood dishes and chicken dishes.

Cynthia’s Pinot Grigio is fermented and aged in stainless steel, this wine represents the New Generation style of the famous Italian Pinot Grigio. It shows
wonderful layers of lemon lime, melon, pineapple, slight yellow apple, citrus, with a hint of floral notes, wet stone and strong minerality on the nose. On the palate, you will find layers of robust citrus, pear, yellow apple, and enticing minerality with a crisp long finish. It pairs well with grilled or baked chicken dishes, Asian dishes, and pizza or pasta dishes.

The Passaggio Tempranillo Rosé is from Heringer Estates Vineyard in Clarksburg.  You will note; cherry, slight strawberry, raspberry, citrus and floral notes, refreshing finish. Each was fermented and aged separately in stainless steel then blended before bottling. This wine is awesome by itself or with grilled foods. This is a great wine to enjoy sitting on the deck with friends and family.

The UNMARKED Pinot Noir was sourced from a vineyard in Napa on the cusp of Carneros. This wine is a beautiful garnet color in the glass. It offers intense seductive aromas of black cherry, spice, slight cola and earth tones. On the palate, you will find dark cherry, slight raspberry with a hint of spices and black tea. A smooth texture, slight tannins and a balanced acidity. Pinot Noir may be one of the world's most versatile food wines. This wine goes great with poultry dishes, lamb, pork and even vegetarian dishes. Enjoy it around your table with friends and family.”

Today Cynthia has her own tasting room in beautiful downtown Sonoma.  The Passaggio Wines tasting room is located in the heart of Sonoma. The historic Sonoma Plaza was voted one of the #1 attractions to visit in Sonoma. The tasting room is located at 25 E. Napa Street, Suite C, Sonoma, CA 95476. The alley is called Vine Alley.

  Cynthia offers tastings for $20 and will happily waive that fee with a $50 purchase of any Passaggio Wines.  Additionally, Passaggio honors California Corks Winery Experience Cards.  If you are a cardholder you will get a little extra TLC.  Cardholders receive a two-for-one tasting. Passaggio is known on the square to have the most white wines available. Be sure to try Passaggio red wines too.  Stop by and enjoy a special tasting or a glass of wine. It's a great little spot on the Sonoma Square.

Disclaimer: The content of this post is for informational and educational purposes. The profiles and photos of the women winemakers were prepared from information provided on winery websites, the winemaker, or from public domain sources. While we have meet some of the winemakers the information here provided has not in all cases reviewed by the winemaker for accuracy or completeness. Additionally, if sufficient information could not be found for all women identified as winemakers in California and their biographical profiles are not included, hence the blog and others in this section of the blog is a work in progress. Links to other websites have been provided California Corks is not responsible for the content of such websites and hereby disclaim any and all liability with respect to such content and of any other websites or content that you may be able to access from such websites.