Rafael et Fils. Funny French spelling for a Napa wine? Perhaps! However I promise you it is not for fanciful purposes. I’m the “fils" (son in French) to Georg and Rosie Rafael. And since they raised me in France and had the foresight to buy land in Napa 30 years ago, it seems only fair to pay a little homage to our European heritage.

When I imagine my father, at fifteen years old, leaving his home in Berlin post World War II with just a train ticket in his pocket, I don’t think in his wildest dreams he could have ever foreseen becoming a Napa Valley grape grower. His career journey is a beautiful one - from hotel elevator operator to iconic hotelier. Early along the way he met my mother, who provided the unwavering support that was their foundation. Together they came to America in the 1970s, and were able to discover a Napa Valley still in its infancy.

ESTABLISHED

1996

VARIETALS

Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon

Proprietors

Marc Rafael

“Classically-styled wines from the Napa Valley and Anderson Valley that speak of a sense of place. We focus on pure expressions of single varietals which highlight the specificity of each vineyard.”

In 1982 an opportunity presented itself to own a magical patch of dirt in the then unnamed Oak Knoll District; 50 acres of former cattle ranching land, so steeply inclined that only 25 acres could be planted. Once planted we began merely as grape growers, selling our fruit to some of Napa’s finest producers. However our own wine brand took a longer time to bear fruition.

For such a personal operation we needed a family member on-site, so I moved to Northern California permanently in 2010 to oversee all aspects of the vineyard. Now we are entering a tremendously exciting phase, with stunning new wine labels, and we cannot wait to share our little hidden gem with you.