Ralf Holdenried

Ralf Holdenried, the vintner behind Black Stallion Estate Winery’s exceptional wines, epitomizes the essence of crafting exceptional wine. His winemaking journey began in his parents’ German winery during his teenage years, instilling a lifelong passion. Formal training led him to Napa, California, where his Napa Valley harvest in 1997 marked the beginning of a remarkable career. Ralf’s philosophy revolves around “cultivating excellence” by fostering sustainability, quality, and lasting relationships with teams and customers. He cherishes the collaboration and trust forged during harvests and credits Marcello Monticelli at Gallo for nurturing his winemaking intuition. Known for using intriguing terms like “graphite” to describe wine profiles, Ralf’s dedication ensures each Black Stallion wine is a masterpiece. When he’s not crafting wines, Ralf enjoys barbecuing and pairing a delicious steak with a 10-year-old Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon. His legacy is one of meticulous effort and an unyielding commitment to translating the vineyard’s bounty into harmonious, balanced wines.