Robledo Family Winery

Meet Reynaldo Robledo Sr.
Hear tasting notes and more.

North America’s first Winery established by a Mexican Migrant Vineyard Worker.

What an amazing story and incredible person. Not to mention, a talented winemaker, gracious host and father of nine, who are all in the family business.

Reynaldo Robledo Sr. came to the U.S in 1968, crossing the border from Mihocan Mexico on February 25 and starting work the very next day. He started pruning grapes on February 26 in Calistoga; “the grapes, that’s all I knew”. It’s this love of grapes, an intuitive touch, dedication and hard work that combined to earn him the ‘American Dream’.

The Robledo Family

Robledo (ro’bla’do), n. for oak tree; strength, longevity and grace.

The image of the oak tree could not say it any better. Reynaldo and his wife Maria head the tight knit family raising nine children. Imagine seven sons and two daughters, and all are now involved in the business. Reynaldo tells us that sometimes they conspire and all grant each other time off. But he laughs. It’s clear he runs the show and all are accountable to keep up the family traditions, integrity and quality products.

Reynaldo broadly smiles when asked about his grandchildren. While he hopes they will all work in the business, it’s important that everyone follow their passions. Although he may try to influence that just a little - they always try to sip a little of his wine during dinner.

The children: Lorena, Reynaldo Jr., Everadro, Vanessa, Jenaro, Luis, Francisco, Lazaro, Emiliano

“I Learn More Every Year”

“Drinking different wines, reds and whites, is how you learn.”

“I drink wine every night”. Mostly his own wines, but also others. “I need to do this to try what works in different places”. He also believes it’s important to keep your palate working.” Well, for him tasting wines is work, but for many of us, it’s part of the fun of our wine journey.

Reynaldo Sr. humbly says he lets the land do most of the work. But it is his magical touch, focus on the individual plants and experience that have perfected his techniques. In fact, he would tell you that it’s never perfect and he works long, long hours learning everything and that the learning never ends. He now manages over 200 acres for other growers and owns 37 acres of his own where he has started to produce his very own wines. We’re lucky to have one of those for you.

Robledo Family Seven Brothers Sauvignon Blanc 2006

“I dedicated it to my seven sons. My two daughters complained”

Made in his own style, this Sauvignon Blanc is unlike others from the area. It’s less grassy and has more emphasis on the floral. It’s very fragrant and you can recognize pineapple, and even mango in the nose. It is light and fresh, using extraordinary grapes from his Lake County vineyard and is left as untampered by the winemaker as possible.

Reynaldo recommends ceviche as a special treat with this wine. He also admitted “When I drink this wine with fish, I drink a couple of bottles”. Yes, that is with friends and it is that good.

Reynaldo admits that it is hard to have just a glass and he rarely leaves a bottle empty. He does share with family and friends. Plus he has the benefit of having a full supply right outside his door!

Sep, 2007 - Harvest at its height

“I work sometimes 15 hours per day to 20 hours per day”

Not only did Reynaldo Sr. take time out of his busiest season to talk with us, but he shared his thoughts on this year’s harvest.

In general, crush season is around-the-clock work. Especially here, since he harvests at night, picking 25 tons an hour. Deciding the right time, then picking and crushing, it’s a full team to manage; in harvest season, he employs 150 people, up from the usual 60. It’s also across his 260 acres in three counties, Sonoma, Napa and Lake Country. His talent is widely recognized, as much of this is produced for others!

This year, he’ll do 20,000 cases; an impressive increase from his first year of producing 100 cases. It’s a low yield this year, 40% less grapes, but he’s confident of its quality. And he says to look forward to another great new wine.

We highly suggest you try the Seven Brothers Sauvignon Blanc.