Dalla Valle Vineyards
Napa Valley
Address:
Dalla Valle Vineyards, Silverado Trail, Napa, CA, USA
Website:
Winemaker:
Maya Dalla Valle and Rebekah Wineburg
First Vintage:
1988
Accepts Visitors:
Special Request
PRESTIGE
4.5
Summary
Dalla Valle Vineyards is a prestigious winery nestled in the eastern hills of the Oakville appellation in the heart of Napa Valley, California. Founded in 1986 by Gustav and Naoko Dalla Valle, the vineyard has since become synonymous with excellence, producing some of the most revered wines in Napa Valley.
The Dalla Valle estate, covering a modest 30 acres of land, is perched at elevations ranging from 400 to 600 feet above the valley floor. The unique east-facing aspect of the vineyards protects the vines from the late afternoon heat, ensuring a longer growing season that contributes to the complexity and balance of the grapes. The soil composition of reddish volcanic clay and rock further stresses the vines, resulting in low yields of intensely flavored fruit.
The winery is perhaps best known for their flagship wine, Maya, named after the Dalla Valles' daughter. This highly acclaimed wine is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc, showcasing the perfect marriage of power and elegance. Maya consistently garners top scores from wine critics and enthusiasts alike, with its dense, rich fruit character and layers of complexity.
In addition to Maya, Dalla Valle also produces an exceptional Cabernet Sauvignon and a proprietary red blend known as Collina Dalla Valle, which translates to "Hill of Dalla Valle." These wines are celebrated for their intensity, structure, and age-worthy properties. The limited production and meticulous attention to detail have placed Dalla Valle wines in an elite category, often sought after by collectors and connoisseurs worldwide.
Visitors to Dalla Valle Vineyards can expect an intimate and exclusive experience, as tastings are by appointment only. The winery's approach to hospitality is reflective of its overall philosophy—focused on quality over quantity. Guests are treated to a guided tour of the estate, offering scenic vistas of the vineyards and valley, followed by a curated tasting of their exquisite wines, often including library vintages not readily available to the public.
The architecture of the winery, though modern, pays homage to the natural beauty of the surroundings. Elegant lines and a refined use of materials blend seamlessly with the landscape, featuring expansive windows that allow natural light to fill the tasting room and frame the panoramic vineyard views.
Behind the scenes, Dalla Valle Vineyards maintains a steadfast commitment to sustainability. The integration of organic practices ensures that the health of the vineyard ecosystem is preserved, enhancing the quality of the fruit and, in turn, the wine.
As a world-class producer, Dalla Valle Vineyards not only represents the zenith of Napa Valley winemaking but also serves as an enduring legacy that embodies the passion, dedication, and family spirit imbued in each bottle. Whether it's the distinctive minerality, the refined tannic structure, or the harmonious expression of fruit, Dalla Valle continues to captivate the palates of those fortunate enough to experience its offerings.