Don was born and raised for the first five years of his life on family vineyards in Ukiah, CA in
Mendocino County. "We had 80 acres planted to numerous varietals, including some old vine
Zinfandel that we cleared a half acre of vines to build our home. At the time, my Great Uncle,
Joseppi (Joe) Lorenzi, who was the "Patriarch" of our family, hardly spoke any English. He had
immigrated to the US in 1925, bringing the family with him, with the desire to grow grapes for
winemaking. So, I grew up in the family vineyards, with the Italian half of my family on my father's
side. My mother's family was "Steinbrenner", 100% German, so I am half & half."
Reha has an extensive wine background. He began his career in winemaking in 1988, at Fetzer
Vineyards in Redwood Valley and Hopland, California. He attended UC Davis, studying Enology
and Fermentation Sciences. He has traveled extensively throughout Europe enhancing his
knowledge of old world winemaking techniques and the newest, most innovative technology
available.
In 1995, Reha began working for Cline Cellars as Assistant Winemaker. He was instrumental in
producing many award-winning Zinfandels and Rhône varietals. While working closely with
Owner/Winemaker, Matt Cline, production was increased from 23,000 to 200,000 cases annually.
Before leaving Cline Cellars in 1999, Reha held the title Associate Winemaker.
In 1999, Reha accepted the position of Director of Winemaking for Renwood Winery in Amador
County, where he largely focused on Zinfandel, Rhône and Italian varietals. "I am passionate
about Zinfandel, Rhône and Italian varietals, but have not limited myself to just them.
My philosophy on producing premium varietal wines is that there is a distinct varietal expression
for each wine. No two varietals should be produced in the same manner or style. Every step of
production throughout the winemaking process needs to be tailor made to extract the quality
and uniqueness of the specific wine."
Under Reha’s leadership, Orfila will continue to produce Rhône and Italian-style wines. "Leon
created a San Diego County icon with Orfila. He focused on the right varietals for the appellation
which included Rhone varietals, and more importantly, Italian varietals" according to Reha. "
Because he had the foresight to plant those vines, and start making the wines, he built a stellar
reputation for the wines of Orfila. Fortunately, I get to be the successor to continue making the
premium wines at Orfila, and continue the visions he had with the winery, the wines, and the
estate vineyards."
When asked about his plans for the Orfila wine program, Don explained, "My winemaking style
may be slightly different, but I believe that it will only enhance the style that exists, and I will
continue to produce the benchmark varietal wines of San Diego County well into the future at
Orfila." In response to the question of what it’s like to step into the role of "new winemaker" Don
replied, "Rarely does a Winemaker get to walk into such a great program such as Orfila, and be
immediately comfortable with the current releases, the bulk wines being aged, and the vineyards
that produce the quality fruit that we have. I have the wonderful and exciting task of keeping the
legacy of Leon Santoro living on through the wines that were his creation, while injecting my own
influence into the style and variety of wines into the future."
