Dalla Valle Vineyards in Oakville, Napa Valley

Dalla Valle Vineyards, founded in 1986 on the scenic eastern hillsides of Oakville is an iconic winery with a longstanding history. Maya Dalla Valle, second-generation winemaker is at the helm of this family-owned estate known for producing some of the most sought-after wines in the region. We interview Maya to learn more about the core of her family’s legacy, winemaking philosophy and more.

Share the story of your winery.

Maya Dalla Valle, Winemaker: Dalla Valle Vineyards was founded by my parents, Naoko and Gustav Dalla Valle in 1986. It all began with my parents’ vision to create wines that reflect both the unique terroir of Oakville and their own uncompromising standards for quality. My late father had a keen eye for finding prime vineyard land. In 1982, they purchased the 20-acre Napa Valley property that would become the heart of the estate. My parents were determined to craft wines that could stand shoulder to shoulder with the best in the world.

They meticulously planted Bordeaux varietals, focusing on Cabernet Sauvignon, and blending in small amounts of Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, and Merlot. The rocky soils and favorable microclimate of Oakville provided the ideal conditions for these grapes to thrive, yielding wines of exceptional depth and complexity. In 1986, my parents made their first vintage of estate-grown Cabernet Sauvignon.

The following year—the year I was born—they planted Maya’s Vineyard, a 5-acre block of Cabernet Sauvignon that became one of the most revered winegrowing sites in America. In 1992, this vineyard yielded a wine that would earn us our first perfect 100-point score, truly putting Dalla Valle on the map.

Today, I proudly carry on their legacy as winemaker, working alongside my mom to continue crafting exceptional wines and ensure the winery continues to thrive for generations to come.  

What type of wine do you specialize in?

Maya Dalla Valle, Winemaker: We are dedicated to crafting wines that embody the essence of our exceptional terroir and the meticulous care we put into every step of the winemaking process. Every vintage reflects our family’s passion for creating wines of distinction, 100 percent estate farmed, with a balance of intensity, elegance, and age-worthiness that truly distinguishes Dalla Valle in the world of premium wines. 

The estate wines we produce originate in specific vineyard blocks, imbuing each with a unique sense of place. There are three wines produced each year from the estate:  

– Collina Dalla Valle, Italian for “Hill of the Valley”, is a red blend created from the younger vines on the property and offers a more approachable profile in its youth. This is the introductory wine into the brand.  

– Dalla Valle Cabernet Sauvignon was the first wine created by the estate in 1986 as the original expression of the estate’s unique terroir and today remains 100% estate bottled. Typically blended with a small percentage of Cabernet Franc, the wine is a vineyard block selection of Cabernet Sauvignon with aging in barrel and amphora. 

– Maya, my namesake wine, is a special blend of Maya’s Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon and the best selected blocks of Cabernet Franc. 

From time to time, we release a fourth wine: the MDV, a highly coveted bottling that is produced only in exceptional years made of 100% Cabernet Sauvignon from Maya’s Vineyard. This exclusive wine is only available through our mailing list.    

What’s one thing you wish more people knew about your winery? 

Maya Dalla Valle, Winemaker: We are very involved and hands-on as vigneronnes. Because it is also our home, where I grew up and where my mom still lives, it’s a sacred place to us. We want to preserve and take care of it to make sure it continues thriving for future generations. 

Describe your winemaking philosophy.

Maya Dalla Valle, Winemaker: I see my responsibility transcend beyond winemaker and evolve into a farmer and steward of our land. We prioritize quality over quantity, nurturing our vines with a sustainable approach. As part of this holistic and hands-on approach to vineyard health and vitality, I was eager to introduce new ideas to guide the brand forward including amphora use in cellar and implementing regenerative agriculture practices to our already organic practices.

My goal is to push quality forward while creating wines that future generations can be proud of.

Each vintage presents its own challenges and rewards, and I’m dedicated to evolving our practices to ensure that we consistently produce wines that exceed expectations. In keeping with the sustainably minded, multigenerational approach that guides our estate, the vineyard has been farmed organically since 2007 and is Certified Organic by the CCOF.

We aim to craft wines that not only reflect the distinctive character of our estate and carry the legacy forward, but also bring joy and inspiration to those who experience them.

What’s the biggest lesson you’ve learned in the winemaking process? 

Maya Dalla Valle, Winemaker: I’ve learned not to be afraid to ask hard questions and to always be open to new ideas. The wine industry is incredibly humbling, and there is always something that can be learned from others. My parents instilled in me the importance of perseverance. I’ve learned that there will almost always be challenges along the way, but if you have a goal and vision which you are passionate about, you must face them head on.

What do you love about winemaking? 

Maya Dalla Valle, Winemaker: I love the intersection of science, art, and technique in the process of making wine. I enjoy following the growing season, and noticing the nuances that each season brings, as well as its challenges. The excitement of creating something new every year, the pressure of time and making quick decisions, and watching something that you made connect people and bring them together. 

Do you remember the first time you fell in love with wine?

Maya Dalla Valle, Winemaker: I was young, maybe 4 or 5, when I first started tasting wine (in very small quantities!) I remember the fascination of how this immensely complex product started from just a grape on a vine. It almost seemed like sorcery as the only explanation as to how this wine came to be. It still awes me to this day.

Who inspires or inspired you to pursue this career? 

Maya Dalla Valle, Winemaker: Growing up at Dalla Valle, I developed a deep appreciation for the art and science of winemaking. After earning degrees in viticulture and enology as well as my years spent abroad, gaining hands-on winemaking experience at Ornellaia e Masseto, Bodega Rolland, Pétrus and Château Latour, I returned home to join the family business, excited and eager to contribute to the family legacy.

Guided by the principles instilled by my parents, I strive to honor our heritage while pushing the boundaries of quality even further.

For inspiration, I look to my mom. I have always been inspired by her commitment and endurance, and how she has never strayed from her vision of making fine wines. My mom modeled for me a respect for the land, and I’m honored to continue that philosophy and push us forward.

I am grateful for the opportunity to continue crafting wines that embody the essence of Oakville and showcase the legacy that my parents worked so hard to build. Each vintage is a testament to our dedication to quality and our belief that great wines are born from a deep connection to the land. Dalla Valle Vineyards remains a labor of love for our family, and I am honored to play a role in its ongoing story of excellence and innovation in winemaking.

Do you have a favorite story about working at your winery? 

Maya Dalla Valle, Winemaker: My favorite moments are when we are dynamizing our biodynamic preparations. It is a rare, one-hour period where our whole team is present, doing a seemingly simple task of stirring but doing it with intent and passion. It is a wonderful time to connect and be present as a team.

Do you have any winery traditions with your team? 

Maya Dalla Valle, Winemaker: During Harvest every year, we try to keep a lot of music pumping through the winery to keep the energy high. At the end of the season, we also try to visit other local producers with our interns, for additional learning opportunities and to keep their minds open. With the completion of our updated cellar recently, we toasted with a magnum of Champagne to celebrate – that could very well be our new tradition at the start of each harvest! 

How does your team help you as a winemaker? 

Maya Dalla Valle, Winemaker: I am incredibly fortunate to have a talented team that plays a crucial role in bringing our shared vision to life. Each member of our team has a deep passion for winemaking and a commitment to excellence that is fundamental to everything we do.

We are lucky enough to have Andy Erickson on board as our consulting winemaker, a visionary whose deep understanding of Napa Valley’s terroir and commitment to quality align perfectly with our philosophy.

Edgar Alfaro, our vineyard manager, is the steward of our land. His expertise is crucial in maximizing the potential of our terroir and maintaining the health of our vines year after year.

Michel Rolland, our esteemed consultant, brings a wealth of international winemaking experience and a deep understanding of blending and aging.

And of course, my mom. She’s not just a guiding force at Dalla Valle Vineyards, she is the heart and soul of our family business. Her wisdom, vision, and unwavering support have shaped every aspect of our journey. From the vineyards to the cellar, her influence is profound.