Our History
Co-founded in 1977 by the father-son duo of Ray Sr. and Ray Jr., Signorello Estate represents French style wines with finesse, created from 100% estate grown Napa Valley fruit.
In 1977, Ray Signorello Sr. purchased 100 acres of prime Napa Valley land, his first step in creating Signorello Estate with his son, Ray Jr. After spending the first few years of operation solely as growers, Ray Signorello Jr. and his father, Ray Signorello Sr., embraced the winemaking potential of their vineyard and began to produce 100% estate grown vintages of Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, and Bordeaux-style white blends in 1985.
Cultivating a more Old World approach to winemaking, thanks in no small part to our stewardship of both the vines and the cellar, Signorello quickly became known for food friendly wines that benefited from low yield production and a delicate, natural approach both in the winery and the barrel room.
Our Estate Vineyard
Signorello Estate, nestled in the southeastern corner of the Napa Valley alongside the famed Silverado Trail, is comprised of forty two planted acres (17 ha). The estate has been home to Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Malbec, Syrah, Chardonnay, Semillon and Viognier.
Varying in slope from gentle to steep, our vineyard site is 100% hillside, composed of well-drained volcanic rocks and soil.
We carefully spaced our vines to ensure optimal growing conditions, incorporating vertical trellising and strategic shoot positioning that work in concert with our unique, cool micro-climates.
Ray Signorello“We coax exceptional fruit from our vines, harvest it when perfectly ripe, and sort it by hand.”
Our Winemaking and Viticulturalist Team
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Priyanka French
WinemakerPriyanka joined Signorello Estate as Winemaker in Spring 2019. In her new role, Priyanka looks forward to building upon our decades-long legacy by focusing on precision viticulture and restrained winemaking that will best express the resilience and strengths of our estate vineyard. She will also be overseeing the construction of the new 28,000 square foot winery and caves.
Prior to joining Signorello Estate, she worked alongside Winemaker Andy Erickson and Consulting Enologist Michel Rolland at Dalla Valle Vineyards. Originally from Mumbai, Priyanka holds a Master of Science in Viticulture and Enology from University of California, Davis.
Our Process
We deliberately limit yield to emphasize elegance and breeding. Our first vines, planted in 1980, are now shedding their youthful exuberance for more subtlety, nuance and sophistication. These older vines require more delicate care, which is why our team oversees every aspect of the farming process; we do not outsource our vineyard management.
Our fruit is hand-picked and hand-sorted. Our wines are fermented with native yeasts and bottled without fining or filtration. Our total production is less than 6,000 cases annually, and often significantly less.
Our wines will always personify the soil beneath our feet. They are the living embodiment of our land. The seasons will change, the climate might change, and even the winemakers must someday change, but the land is constant. Signorello Estate wines will always express this very special place.
Ray Signorello“Winemaking isn’t just what we do.
It’s who we are. And it shows in our wines.”
Sustainability
Embracing Sustainability in Wine Packaging
At Signorello Estate, each wine bottle tells a story—from the vineyard to how it’s presented. We’re committed to sustainability, using innovative packaging that respects the environment as much as the wines within.
The Shift to Lighter Glass
Traditional glass bottles are heavy and energy-intensive. We’ve switched to lighter glass to reduce our carbon footprint without compromising quality. Our wines remain protected and aged to perfection with a more planet-friendly approach.
Green Cell Packaging: Protecting the Earth
We’ve introduced Green Cell packaging, made from renewable, biodegradable, and compostable materials. This eco-friendly packaging protects our bottles and aligns with our commitment to reducing waste and promoting a circular economy.
Cork
We use natural cork, a 100% renewable and sustainable resource, to keep our wines fresh during aging. Learn more about our corks at DIAM Corks
Our Commitment to a Greener Future
Sustainability is a core value at Signorello. By choosing our wines, you’re joining us in the journey towards a more sustainable future. Thank you for being part of this story—together, we can make a difference, one bottle at a time.