Premiere Napa Valley Live Auction

Ralph Hertelendy

Winemaker, Hertelendy Vineyards

Ralph Hertelendy is a young entrepreneur who fell in love with wine at a very early age. When Ralph was 5 years old in France, he tasted one of the best French Grand Crus, and remembered liking it not just for the flavor, but also because it brought friends and family together. After getting his business degree from the University of San Francisco, Ralph became a sommelier and worked for several wineries in the Napa Valley in sales, and as a winemaker's assistant under Laura Barrett.

When he was 25, he made his first wine in his basement, and over the years he has refined his craft towards creating only top quality style wines. Being multilingual, he has lived and traveled in France, Italy, and Spain to go on wine explorations in specific regions to further hone his craft and broaden his horizons.

Country born: United States

Education: Level 1 Sommelier
Mentors: Laura Barrett, Phillip Corallo-Titus, Russell Bevan

Years in the wine industry: 15-20 years

Honors / Awards:
• TOP 100 WINE DISCOVERIES 2020 — ROBERT PARKER
• 99 point rated wines (98 from Robert Parker and Jeb Dunnuck)
• Multiple Gold Medals at Texsom (judged by Master Sommeliers and Masters of Wine)
• Double Gold & Best in Class at Sunset International Wine Competition,
• #43 in Top 100 International Wine Report 2018

"Put this bottle on the table next to most reds and it's like sending Shaquille O'Neal into a middle-school basketball game...an absolute blockbuster." — Ian Cauble, Master Sommelier

Winemaking Philosophy:
To create world-class wines, never compromise quality, and pursue excellence while maintaining the distinguished Hertelendy style with each vintage. Quality above all else.