About Us

My search for my own little piece of Tuscany centered on the Napa Valley, both for grape growing, climate, history and its proximity to San Francisco. After bicycling every lane and road spur for several years, I zeroed in on the Oakville area, drawn by its intriguing and intensely red, rocky hillsides.

I remember clearly visiting our property for the first time. I knew immediately that I had found my “Lucca”. The property overlooked the entire Valley, yet everything below seemed so close.

The property, which was named “Rancho el Rocko” for its rocky, red soils, was being sold by Gustave Dalla Valle, who was building his own dream home and vineyard next door.

"I knew the minute we inched up the steep incline of the
dirt driveway that it was my 'Lucca'”.

Over the next few years, I immersed myself in learning about grape growing and wine making from the ground up. Courses were offered at Napa College and nearby UC Davis.

By the 90's it was time to totally renovate the existing house and vineyard. The vineyard was replanted with several clones of Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc. The Rocky hillside sprung to life once again, nurturing its vine-children in a bed of stones.