In the Fall of 2017, Hong Kong-based wine critic and author Jeannie Cho Lee visited the exquisite Bellisimo vineyard estate in Calistoga. Sotheby’s International Realty partnered with the Wall Street Journal to produce a video blog on Ms. Cho’s memorable experience while staying at the estate. The video showcases Cho’s travel to the sprawling estate, which is considered one of the most prestigious residences in Sonoma Valley, adjoining Joe Montana’s 500 acre estate. Bellisimo Vineyards is nestled along gently rolling hills planted with 68 acres of Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Sauvignon Blanc.
“Coming up to the driveway and seeing the house, there was this sense you can unpack, unload, and leave behind all of your worries,” shares Jeannie. “The area is so beautiful. There aren’t any words to describe this serenity, this peaceful beauty.”
Jeannie Choo Lee Discovering Sonoma Valley Communities
Born in 1968 in Seoul, Korea, Jeannie Cho Lee is known as the very first ethnic Asian to have received the prestigious “Master of Wine” accreditation, a title given to her in 2008. Lee completed her undergraduate degree at Smith College before studying at Harvard University, where she completed her Masters degree in public policy.
Lee started her career as a business journalist in Asia, writing for well-known publications which include Far Eastern Economic Review, Asia Inc., and The Asset. She eventually made her mark on the world of wine by writing for renowned international wine publications such as Wine and Dine, Wine Spectator, Wine Business International, The World of Fine Wine, and La Revue du vin de France.
Lee successfully published her first book, “Asian Palate” in 2009, and her second book “Mastering Wine for the Asian Palate” in 2011.
Exquisite Bellisimo Vineyards for one of the world’s top wine experts
Lee traveled all the way from Hong Kong to Sonoma Valley to experience some of the finest flavors available in the region.
“I loved wine ever since I spent a year and a half in Europe,” she says. “I learned that there is so much complexity, history, culture, geology and climatology – all the sciences and social sciences combined into this one fascinating beverage.”
There was no better venue for Lee’s dinner party paired with the perfect wines than the gorgeous Bellisimo Vineyard Estate.
The 153-acre picturesque gated ranch is divided into two parcels which features a modern Sandy Walker, Mediterranean-style main residence, and guest house, in addition to three guest suites and three rental homes, a barn, an office, a pool house, and a caretaker’s residence.
The main residence features over 3,900 square feet of living space. Its first level has spacious formal living and dining rooms, both equipped with a wood-burning fireplace and vaulted beamed ceilings. The home also boasts a series of elegant French sliding doors which open up to a guest suite, a stylish gourmet kitchen with custom finishes and top-of-the-line stainless steel appliances, and a relaxing outdoor flagstone terrace perfect for entertaining and indoor/outdoor living.
The residence’s second level features a bedroom with an en-suite and a spacious master suite with access to a covered balcony overlooking sweeping views of the lush, manicured grounds and vineyards.
Your ticket to Calistoga real estate, vineyards, and wineries
This exquisite estate visited by Jeannie Cho Lee is one of my exclusive wine country luxury listings! If you’d like to see some fabulous Calistoga real estate, get in touch with me at 707-738-4820 or send me an email at [email protected]
