Sonoma-Cutrer Vineyards – Interview With Cara Morrison & Zidanelia Arcidiacono

In this exclusive interview on Glass of Bubbly we speak with both Cara Morrison – Director of Winemaking, and Zidanelia Arcidiacono – Senior Winemaker at Sonoma-Cutrer Vineyards in the United States of America, let’s discover a little about their lives in the wonderful world of wine.

It’s Great To Speak With You Both, Can You Tell Us A Little About Yourselves & How Your Incredible Journey Into The Wine Industry Began?

Cara Morrison: As a native of San Jose, I chose to attend the University of California at Davis, initially declaring as a pre-med major. But, by chance, I attended an Intro to Winemaking class and knew immediately that I had found my people. On the spot, I followed that professor back to her office, changed my major and have never looked back. I joined the Sonoma-Cutrer team in 2005 and immersed myself in crafting Chardonnay in their classic, Burgundian style. In 2023, I became Director of Winemaking and the first woman to hold the position in Sonoma-Cutrer’s 40-plus-year history.

Zidanelia Arcidiacono: I was born in Texas, but my family and I moved to Mendoza, Argentina when I was just three years old. Since winemaking is the main economic industry in that region, I grew up surrounded by winemakers and listening to their wonderful stories. The passion they expressed for their life’s work made a deep impression on me at a young age, and I decided that winemaking was my true calling. I began my career working in the lab at Bodega Cruz de Piedra while attending university in Mendoza. I later arrived in the US in 2007 and soon learned of Sonoma-Cutrer, where I applied for and was hired as an Enologist for that season’s harvest. In 2023, I took on the new role of Senior Winemaker, overseeing both Chardonnay and Pinot Noir winemaking.

Do You Remember Your First Experience With Sparkling Wine? When It Was And What Kind Of Label It Was?

Zidanelia Arcidiacono: My first experience with sparkling wine was with a bottle of Dom Pérignon shared with my father 20 years ago. Sparkling wines, indeed, have a magical quality about them — they often symbolize moments of joy, success, and celebration. Whether it’s the pop of the cork or the delicate bubbles that fill the glass, there’s something about sparkling wine that elevates an occasion and makes it unforgettable. It’s amazing how such moments can become tied to emotions and memories that last a lifetime. That first experience sparked not only a love for the drink but also a deeper appreciation for the role it plays in creating lasting happy memories.

How Rewarding And Challenging Is Producing Your Own Sparkling Wines?

Cara Morrison: Producing sparkling wine is definitely a unique winemaking process. When we first started, we connected with sparkling winemakers across Sonoma and Napa to get advice and tips. The winemaker needs to harvest the grapes earlier, create the wine, bottle it, and then let it sit in the bottle for 2-5 years for tirage ageing. After that, there’s the disgorge and dosage process. It’s essentially like learning an entirely new approach to winemaking. I’ve really enjoyed exploring the art of sparkling wine production and now appreciate every bottle even more, knowing the hard work behind it. I also love drinking Sonoma-Cutrer sparkling wine, knowing I’m able to learn new tricks.

When It Comes To Pairing Your Sparkling Wine With Food, Do You Have Any Favourite Combinations That You Would Personally Recommend?

Cara Morrison: I really enjoy Sonoma-Cutrer’s Grand Cuvée Late Disgorge. It really showcases the artistry and innovation of our winemakers and the unique terroir of our Sonoma County Vine Hill and Owsley Ranch Vineyards. Fruit for this vintage has a very high acidity that is ideal for sparkling wine. It pairs well with Salad of Frisée, Apples, Blue Cheese and Bacon or Blueberries and Fresh Cream.

Zidanelia Arcidiacono: I really enjoy sipping on the Winemaker’s Release Grand Brut Rosé with Oysters Rockefeller or Fettuccine with Smoked Salmon, Pancetta, and Asparagus. This 2019 sparkling wine is a cuveé of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay fruit and perfectly encapsulates Sonoma-Cutrer’s signature acidity.

If You Could Choose A Person In The World, Past Or Present, To Have A Glass of Bubbly With; Who Would It Be And Why? What Would You Drink And Why? What Would You Discuss?

Cara Morrison: I suppose I should mention a world leader, but I’m not going to. I absolutely love Jane Austen’s novels and her deep understanding of people. Her characters remind me so much of friends and family in today’s world. I would love to share a glass of bubbly with Ms. Austen and hear more of her fascinating stories. Maybe after a few glasses, she would finally reveal why she never married, even though all her characters end up tying the knot in her novels.

Can You Share With Us Some Of The Countries And Locations Around The World That You Can Enjoy A Glass Of Sonoma-Cutrer?

Zidanelia Arcidiacono: Sonoma-Cutrer wines are already available throughout the United States. Even though we currently export to Canada, the possibility of broader international availability in the future would definitely create more opportunities for Sonoma-Cutrer wine lovers around the world to access their favourite products. It will be interesting to see where we expand next!

What Future Plans Can Enthusiasts Of Sonoma-Cutrer Look Forward To In The Coming Years?

Cara Morrison: We have an exciting late disgorge coming soon—a 2018 that has been resting on the yeast lees for over five years. The extended ageing has given the wine incredible creaminess and a beautifully layered texture, making it a real treat to share with Sonoma-Cutrer fans. We also have a 2022 Sparkling Rosé and a 2023 Owsley Vineyard designated ageing on the yeast lees, both of which will be released in future years once we feel they’re ready.

Zidanelia Arcidiacono: We are maintaining a strong commitment to producing wines that people know and love while balancing tradition with innovation. We are excited to continue offering new releases and new products through our wine club and tasting room. We strongly believe that these are such great ways for enthusiasts to experience unique, limited-edition wines and connect directly with the brand. The personal touch that comes with those experiences really enhances the enjoyment of discovering new flavors and expressions.

Can You Share With Us One Of The Most Memorable Experiences You’ve Enjoyed With A Glass of Bubbly?

Cara Morrison: This wasn’t my first experience, but it was definitely my most memorable. I was studying winemaking at UC Davis, and a fellow student’s family owned Schramsberg Vineyards in Napa. They hosted a big event and invited everyone from the winemaking department, where we were able to camp in the vineyards. That night, I saw someone pouring from the largest wine bottle I’ve ever seen—so big that it took 2-3 people to pour it. It must have been 15L or 18L! I had only seen Sparkling presented at New Year’s, weddings and other formal occasions. That night, I realized that sparkling wine could be enjoyed on any occasion, whether it’s for a big celebration or a casual backyard party.

Thank you, Cara and Zidanelia, for sharing your story and experiences with us and we at Glass of Bubbly wish you the very best for the future!

Photo Credit belongs to Sonoma-Cutrer Vineyards, Glass of Bubbly was granted permission to use the image.