Paul Colantuoni

Winemaker, Rocca Family Vineyards

Rocca Family's esteemed winemaker, Paul Colantuoni, has had an exciting international career. Paul broke into the business in Napa Valley, where he worked with Robert Mondavi Winery and Neyers Vineyards. He then spent several years in Europe, honing his talents at Domaine du Vieux Telegraphe in Chateauneuf-du-Pape, and with Brancaia in Maremma on the Mediterranean coast of Tuscany. Paul returned to Napa Valley in 2006, and is now focused on crafting world-class artisanal wines for Rocca Family.

Paul brings a strong scientific background to his craft, having studied Chemical Engineering and Molecular Biology at Princeton University until his senior year, when he changed majors to Italian and set his sights on a career as a winemaker. Paul's remarkable creative talents were inspired and refined by years of working with such renowned figures as Ehren Jordan, Bruce Neyers, Frederic and Daniel Brunier, and Carlo Ferrini.

Country born: United States

Education: Princeton University - Chemical Engineering, Molecular Biology, and Italian

Years in the wine industry: 20-30 years

Winemaking Philosophy:
Our winemaking philosophy is focused on fully realizing the potential of our beautiful estate vineyards. We strive to express their signature qualities as faithfully as possible, by organically growing the very best possible grapes and then staying out of their way with an emphatically non-interventionist approach in the winery.