Team Andretti into California wine, not just race cars

Nevada City native Alexander Rossi won the 100th Indianapolis 500 for Andretti Autosport this past weekend. He is the first Californian to win the race since 1955.

As it turns out, the Andrettis also are into California wine, not just race cars.

Andretti Winery in Napa was founded in 1996 by Mario Andretti and his longtime friend, Joe Antonini, former chairman and chief executive of Kmart Corp., Mario’s son Michael runs Andretti Autosport, where Rossi is a racer.

Andretti Winery is a 42-acre estate vineyard, planted with Pinot Grigio, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc and Merlot. It is located in the Oak Knoll region of the Napa Valley. The tasting room is nestled in the vineyards.

The Andrettis are not alone when it comes to race car drivers who have embraced winemaking.

Race car driver and winemaker Scott Pruett of Auburn received word that his 2012 Pruett Vineyard Champion Cuvee Estate Syrah was rated the top new Syrah in California by Wine Spectator, as our magazine has reported.

Pruett and his wife, Judy, produce their wines from a 3-acre vineyard in Auburn overlooking the American River. Carpe Vino restaurant in Auburn serves the Pruett wines.

(Photo: Andretti Winery’s Facebook page)