Marchetti Wines Claimed

Rich LaRosa, the winemaker, has been making full bodied red wines since he was a child. “Being in the cold garage at nighttime making wine is a memorable experience for me”, says Rich. Introduced to the process through his family, including his Italian grandfather, dad and uncle, Rich explains, “I grew up making wine. And then of course I couldn’t wait to get away from it! When I was in my 30’s I called my Dad and said, ‘I want to start making wine again.’ I did it as a hobby and gave it to a buddy of mine… and he leaned on me for two or three years to sell it.” Marchetti Wines are made in the tradition of the Old World, without the use of chemicals or preservatives. This unique process of natural fermentation highlights the flavors from the grapes themselves and the oak barrels in which the wine is made and aged. His wine is hand crafted and unfiltered. Rich has been very active in the local community including being one of the founding members of the Capital Food and Wine Festival at Saint Martin’s. He has participated in many local events for many years, both private and public. Since first opening a few years ago the wine bar has relocated a few times. Now, they have found their home, right across the street from the Washington Center for Performing Arts. “We had an opportunity, so we jumped in and took it,” says Rich.