Dressage: The Second Passion of Maya Dalla Valle, Co-owner of Dalla Valle Vineyards

In the heart of Napa Valley, California, a boutique winery named Dalla Valle Vineyards has made a name for itself among the world's finest wine producers. At the helm of this esteemed estate is Maya Dalla Valle, a woman who has brought her passion for both horses and wine to create a legacy that blends tradition with innovation.

Maya, currently a prominent figure in the wine industry, was initially set on a career in dressage riding. However, her love for the family business drew her into the world of winemaking. Her parents, Naoko and Gustav, opened Dalla Valle Vineyards in 1986, and Maya's role has since evolved from a casual interest to a central part of the winery's success[1].

Maya's journey in winemaking began with a degree in international relations, but it was a harvest gig that truly sparked her passion for the craft. This passion led her to travel the world, earning Masters degrees in wine-related studies from Cornell University and Bordeaux Sciences Agro. Her experiences in Bordeaux and Tuscany honed her skills and broadened her understanding of winemaking[2].

In 2017, Maya took on a more formal role at the winery, becoming its director. In 2021, she was appointed winemaker, a position that allows her to oversee the production of the winery's renowned red blends, including the highly regarded 2012 Maya Dalla Valle Red Blend[1][3]. One of the most significant wines under her stewardship is the legendary 1992 Dalla Valle Vineyards Maya, their flagship blend, which was crafted from Maya's Vineyard, a 2ha plot of Cabernet Sauvignon named in her honour[4].

Maya brings a unique perspective to her role at the winery, drawing parallels between dressage and winemaking. Both, she believes, require a commitment to technique, an understanding of science, and a touch of artistry. This clarity and focus, honed from her years of riding and training, have been instrumental in maintaining the high quality and distinctiveness of Dalla Valle Vineyards' wines[2].

Maya's mornings are often spent not in the vineyard but at the barn, where she trains her horse Jeronimo. She sees this time as a form of self-care, a reminder of the discipline and dedication required in both her passions. Her achievements extend beyond the winery, as she continues to compete in dressage competitions and train five days a week[1].

Under Maya's leadership, Dalla Valle Vineyards remains a top player in the competitive Napa Valley region, renowned for Cabernet Sauvignon and other varietals. Her role involves ensuring everyone at the winery has what they need to do their best, contributing to the continued success and prestige of the estate[1][3]. With her blend of experience, passion, and dedication, Maya Dalla Valle continues to solidify Dalla Valle Vineyards' place among Napa Valley's elite wineries.

[1] Wine Spectator, "Meet the Winemaker: Maya Dalla Valle," accessed March 21, 2023, https://www.winespectator.com/articles/meet-the-winemaker-maya-dalla-valle-27942813

[2] Decanter, "Maya Dalla Valle: The Dressage Rider Turned Winemaker," accessed March 21, 2023, https://www.decanter.com/wine-news/people/maya-dalla-valle-the-dressage-rider-turned-winemaker-441269

[3] Wine Enthusiast, "Dalla Valle Vineyards," accessed March 21, 2023, https://www.wineenthusiast.com/wineries/dalla-valle-vineyards

[4] JancisRobinson.com, "Dalla Valle Vineyards," accessed March 21, 2023, https://www.jancisrobinson.com/wine-investment/wineries/dalla-valle-vineyards/

Maya's passion for winemaking, initially ignited by her harvest gig, led her to pursue Masters degrees in wine-related studies, delving into the intricacies of wine production in both Bordeaux and Tuscany.
Besides her prominent role in the wine industry, Maya is also an avid dressage rider, finding parallels between this equestrian sport and the art of winemaking in terms of technique, science, and artistry.
In the realm of lifestyle, Maya combines her love for horses and wine, her mornings often spent training her horse, Jeronimo, as a form of self-care and a reminder of the discipline and dedication required in both her passions.
In the food-and-drink sector, Dalla Valle Vineyards, under Maya's leadership, is renowned for its Cabernet Sauvignon and other varietals, with one of the most significant wines under her stewardship being the legendary 1992 Dalla Valle Vineyards Maya, their flagship blend.
As for travel, exploring the wine regions of Bordeaux and Tuscany has broadened Maya's understanding of winemaking, enriching her perspective and enhancing the reputation of Dalla Valle Vineyards among the world's finest wine producers.

Dressage: The Second Passion of Maya Dalla Valle, Co-owner of Dalla Valle Vineyards