Ramey Wine Cellars

Ramey Wine Cellars, founded in 1996 by David Ramey, is a distinguished winery located in Healdsburg, California. Known for its dedication to crafting wines that marry Old World techniques with the unique terroirs of Sonoma and Napa, Ramey Wine Cellars has significantly influenced the California wine industry. David Ramey, a pioneering winemaker, has played a crucial role in this transformation, introducing innovative methods such as whole-cluster pressing, sur lies aging, and native yeast fermentations. These techniques have earned him the nickname “Professor Chardonnay” and a declaration in the Congressional Record for his contributions to American winemaking​.

Before founding his own winery, David Ramey honed his skills at several prestigious Napa Valley wineries. He worked at Dominus Estate, where he collaborated with Christian Moueix, gaining invaluable experience in producing Bordeaux-style wines. Ramey also contributed to the success of Chalk Hill and Matanzas Creek, where he implemented many of his groundbreaking techniques. Additionally, he worked at Rudd Estate, further cementing his reputation as a leading winemaker in Napa Valley. These experiences provided Ramey with a deep understanding of the region’s terroir and winemaking potential​.

David Ramey’s journey began in Bordeaux, where he worked at Château Pétrus. This experience deeply informed his approach to winemaking, blending traditional methods with innovative practices. His vision was to create classically styled and balanced wines that age gracefully. This vision has been realized through meticulous vineyard management and innovative winemaking techniques, producing world-class Chardonnays, Cabernet Sauvignons, and Syrahs that have garnered critical acclaim and high scores from wine publications​.

In 2021, the leadership of Ramey Wine Cellars transitioned to the second generation, with Claire and Alan Ramey becoming co-presidents. Both have been integral to the winery since 2013, bringing fresh perspectives while upholding the family’s commitment to excellence. Claire focuses on viticultural operations, including the management of the estate vineyard, Westside Farms, while Alan oversees broader winery operations and has international winemaking experience from stints in Chile and Burgundy. Their leadership ensures the continuity of the Ramey legacy, blending tradition with innovation​.