About Us

Almaden Valley Winery was created by owner winemaker Raffaello Pardini. This small plot of land in the heart of Almaden Valley was planted with bare roots in 2005. The first harvest was in 2008.

The first commercial vintage was the 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon and Sangiovese. Production is very limited and it runs at approximately 100 to 150 cases per year.

Raffaello was born and grew up in Tuscany, Italy, next to the Chianti and Brunello di Montalcino wine making regions. As a child he remembers helping with the harvest, including stepping inside large barrels to crash grapes with his bare feet. As he grew up he chose an engineering life that led him to Silicon Valley. When he first arrived in Silicon valley he had no relatives or friends at first and he needed a hobby. Raffaello started making string instruments from scratch after reading an article in woodworking magazine. After struggling to find when to buy the wood etc, no easy search with Google at that time, he proceeded to make his first violin. He then started violin lessons using his newly made violin which he continued taking till he finished his first Viola after which he started taking Viola lessons. Guess what is coming next? when he finished making his first Cello he switch over to Cello lessons. After many years of string instrument lessons and many more instrument built for own enjoyment Raffaello was ready for a new challenge. Can you guess what comes next? you guessed right. Raffaello could no longer resist the call of the countryside, vineyards and winemaking. He was lucky to find a small plot of land where he could grow quality vines while his wife could enjoy her passion for horses, and that is how Almaden Valley Winery started.

Raffaello’s goal of producing premium wine from the very first harvest was realized. His wines reflect his passion for creating quality in all he does.