O
rganic wine is a popular
luxury that wine enthusiasts
are putting at the top of
their shopping lists. One
of the things I find most
charming about organic wine, is the
history behind the vineyard and the
winemakers. One such winery I’ve
discovered is the Italian family and
friend collaboration, ZIOBAFFA. This
wine story has it all, including a film
connection. Jason Baffa is a filmmaker turned wine-maker and just all
seems to make sense. He graciously
made time for an interview and told
me more about what makes
ZIOBAFFA, such a unique find.
Sherrie Wilkolaski: Let’s start
with the basics, give me your
elevator pitch?
Jason Baffa: ZIOBAFFA is produced
in two capacities: Pinot Grigio and
Toscana Red. Both are bottled and
labeled with eco-friendly material,
crafted with a biodynamic focus
and organically produced grapes.
Handmade by artisans with a focus
on traditional production, ZIOBAFFA
wine is crafted in quality,
authenticity and detail. It is
organic, delicious and will always
leave you wanting more.
We focus on sustainable, zero waste
production and environmentally
friendly bottling, including the
innovative Helix re-useable cork
closure, these wines are a modern
take on an old world tradition.
ZIOBAFFA wine is a demonstration of
close knit Italian culture.
SW: How the name ZIOBAFFA
came to life?
JB: The name, “Zio Baffa” came from
very fun beginnings. While we were
shooting my new film “Bella Vita” in
Italy, the local crew truly showed us
a good time. We were chasing surf
for the documentary and surf in
Italy can be unpredictable, so we
were also really enjoying everything
that is Italian, la dolce vita. The
film’s star, Chris Del Moro, has an
amazing group of friends in Tuscany
and they took me in like family. From
home cooked meals to big banquet
feasts at the local restaurant, which
was usually run by a friend or a
family member, it was full on. There
were definitely some late nights, a
lot of amazing food, a lot of amazing
wine and most importantly, a lot
of laughs. I guess my insatiable
appetite for everything we dove into
and moreover, an eagerness for more,
earned me the nick-name, “Zio Baffa”
or Uncle Baffa. Ha ha, I was having so
much fun, I didn’t know the nickname stuck. Here we are a few years
64
later and the nick-name is now the
name-sake to this fantastic
ZIOBAFFA wine collaboration.
SW: What synergies do you find
between film and wine making?
JB: One thing I love about the art
of filmmaking is that it is a craft.
I feel like I’m always learning and
exploring. Each project takes on
its own life. They are living and
breathing things. The art of winemaking is very similar and I’m