Silverado Vineyards, an esteemed Napa Valley winery with a profound heritage, is embarking on an exciting new journey. Under the recent acquisition by Foley Family Wines & Spirits, the estate is ushering in a fresh era while maintaining its unwavering dedication to producing exceptional wines rooted in the unique terroir of its vineyards. This transition is marked by the appointment of Alison Rodriguez as the new lead winemaker, who brings a wealth of experience and a forward-thinking approach to an already celebrated portfolio.

This period of transformation is not merely about new ownership and leadership; it's a strategic evolution designed to amplify Silverado's long-standing reputation for excellence. The winery is embracing digital advancements to share its story and showcase its diverse vineyard sites across Napa Valley's distinguished AVAs. With a focus on both tradition and innovation, Silverado Vineyards is poised to further solidify its position as a leading name in the world of fine wines, delivering unparalleled quality and character to enthusiasts globally.

A Legacy Reimagined: New Leadership at Silverado Vineyards

Silverado Vineyards, a venerable name in the Stags Leap District, is entering a new chapter, spearheaded by its acquisition by Foley Family Wines & Spirits and the appointment of Alison Rodriguez as head winemaker. This transition marks a significant moment for the winery, which was founded in 1981 by Lillian Disney and her family, building on a history of vine cultivation dating back to the 1800s. The estate has long been recognized for its pioneering role in planting Cabernet Sauvignon in the region and has maintained a consistent winemaking leadership, with only two prior winemakers in its multi-decade history. Rodriguez, mentored by some of the industry's most respected figures, is now tasked with upholding and elevating this storied legacy, focusing on allowing the vineyards' intrinsic qualities to shine through in every bottle.

Rodriguez's vision for Silverado Vineyards revolves around refining the already exceptional wines while respecting the estate's profound heritage. Her extensive experience across various sub-appellations within the valley has equipped her with a deep understanding of the region's nuances, enabling her to make an immediate impact. Silverado's esteemed reputation is underscored by its numerous accolades, including gold medals at the 1987 International Wine and Spirit Competition and the recognition of its Cabernet Sauvignon clone with Heritage status by the University of California, Davis. Despite these achievements, Rodriguez is not content to rest on past glories. She is actively engaged in developing the winery's offerings, ensuring that Silverado continues to produce wines of remarkable depth and character, embodying a blend of time-honored tradition and contemporary winemaking artistry.

Innovating for the Future: Expanding Reach and Offerings

As Silverado Vineyards embraces its new era, the winery is also implementing a comprehensive strategy for growth and outreach, leveraging digital platforms to connect with a wider audience. This includes the launch of a six-part YouTube series, offering an intimate look into Alison Rodriguez's winemaking philosophy and processes. Furthermore, an immersive drone-based digital experience is in development, designed to transport virtual visitors through Silverado's five distinct vineyards spanning prestigious AVAs like Stags Leap District, Coombsville, Yountville, and Carneros. This innovative approach highlights the winery's unique commitment to producing estate-grown, -produced, and -bottled wines, a distinction that sets it apart in Napa Valley. These initiatives underscore a forward-looking mindset, ensuring Silverado's narrative and exquisite wines reach a global community.

A notable success story emerging from this new direction is the single-vineyard Miller Ranch white, which has rapidly become the fastest-growing Napa appellated Sauvignon Blanc in retail, both in terms of monetary value and case volume, according to industry market research. Rodriguez attributes the success of this vibrant white wine to her background in Germany, where she cultivated a passion for bright, aromatic white wines. Her philosophy for white winemaking, focused on crafting wines with 'energy and verve, like a breath of fresh air,' is clearly resonating with consumers. Looking ahead, Rodriguez is equally enthusiastic about the future of Silverado's red wines, with the 2022 Estate Cabernet Sauvignon already released and the flagship 2022 SOLO single-vineyard Cabernet set to debut soon. The combination of steadfast legacy, strategic new ownership, and an experienced winemaking perspective positions Silverado Vineyards for continued triumphs, ensuring its estate vineyards remain at the heart of its identity and continued success.