Cave Dog Napa Valley was established in 2014 but it's roots extend much deeper both in Napa and overseas. Founder Michael Havens grew up in the western suburbs of Chicago - while his friends were attracted to beer, he found himself more attracted to the nuances of wine. But for many years it was a hobby and a passion rather then a livelihood. Rather then … [Read more...]

BRYTER Estates was founded with their first vintage in 2007 by Bryan and Terin Ignozzi. Terin grew up in Chicago - is first generation American (her father was born in Italy) and was raised around home wine making. Her first introduction to wine making was at her grandfather's house; he would purchase grapes from California and make wine every year. Some … [Read more...]

Lagniappe Peak Vineyards (pronounced 'lan yap') was founded by proprietors Debb & Bob Almeida. Tragically Bob passed away in late 2017 and Debb and her daughter Erika have taken over the operations of the vineyard and brand. Bob went to school in New Orleans (where he met Debb) - spent 20+ years living in New York, part of that time on Wall Street. For two … [Read more...]

Rafael et Fils (translates from French into Rafael and Son) was established by Georg and Rosie Rafael with the purchase of 50 acres of land in 1985 in the southern part of the Napa Valley (in what is now the Oak Knoll district). A longtime family friend, Frank Farella (of Farella Family Winery) originally introduced them to this property. When they purchased … [Read more...]

Art House Wines was founded by the talented couple John Bonick and Dona Kopol Bonick with their inaugural release in 2010. John and Dona met while both were living in Chicago. John earned a degree in English from the University of Notre Dame. His first introduction to the world of wine and spirits came when he worked for a small distributor, delivering … [Read more...]