In 1903 the Pelissa family purchased 35 acres between the Napa River and the Napa Valley Railroad in Calistoga with a single $10 gold coin. Thus began one familys 104 year history in the Napa Valley. Today the family owns approximately 1,000 acres in Napa Valley with over 300 acres designated as a preserve intact with its natural state and 635 acres farmed as certified organic.

Over time, the family grew and their experience expanded. The 35 acres in Calistoga were planted and farmed with grapevines. In 1938 an event that was a stroke of luck and exquisite timing took place. Andrew and Babe Pelissa purchased a portion of George Yount’s Rancho Caymus land grant in Yountville. It is believed that in 1838 George Yount was the first person to plant a grapevine in the Napa Valley. It is logical to surmise that Yount made the first wine in Napa County and today the Pelissa Family vineyards occupy this original site.

After a century in the Napa Valley, the family is still rooted in the vineyards, harvesting dreams forever grounded in the soil beneath their feet.

Andrew Pelissa, the second generation.

Our Winery

Andrew Hoxsey, fourth generation
and one of five family partners.

Partners in the family business include from bottom left; Marilyn Pelissa Harris and Dawne Pelissa Dickenson. From top left; David Hoxsey, Jennifer Harris Jakoby and Andrew Hoxsey.

1903
35 acres in Calistoga, Napa Valley are purchased with a single $10 gold coin by Joseph and Mary Louise Pelissa.

1906
The second child born to Mary Louise and Joseph Pelissa; Andrew Lee Pelissa was born on January 14, 1906.

1924
Joseph Pelissa died on May 5, 1924, at age 54; an obituary in the Weekly Calistogan described him as honest, hardworking and industrious.

1930
Andrew Pelissa married Veola Babe Hale on August 30, 1930; they made their home in Oakville where Andrew operated the family dairy.

1931
Andrew Del Bondio begins a life-long career working for the Pelissas where he milked cows before and after school. Over the years Andrew Del Bondio made a huge contribution to the Pelissa Family business.

1938
The Pelissas purchased the George Yount Ranch, previously owned by John Finnell, in Yountville.

1948
Andy Pelissa purchased and then harvested over 3,000 acres in oats on the Russ Island Ranch near San Pablo Bay.

1952
The Pelissas sold the Russ Island Ranch for $600,000; it was the largest financial transaction at that time in the history of Napa County.

1962
With the help of Brother Timothy, cellar master at Christian Brothers, Andy Pelissa planted a block of Chardonnay vines near the site of George Younts old Blockhouse.

Also in 1962, Andy Pelissa became a Napa County Planning Commissioner; a position he would hold for the next 14 years.

1984
Andrew Hoxsey, a fourth generation family member, returns to the vineyards at his grandfather Andys suggestion. Today Andrew Hoxsey is one of five partners of the family business.

1985
Andrew Del Bondio suddenly passes in a car accident. He worked for the family from 1931: only WWII interrupted. Jim Del Bondio takes over as vineyard foreman and manager after the sudden death of his father Andrew. Thus a relationship and familiarity with the land and business is continued.

1986
The first Pelissa vineyard is granted certification by the California Certified Organic Farmers.

1991
Andy Pelissa suddenly passes away.

1993
Before his passing, Andy Pelissa had approved a new project for the family business: the purchase of the Napa Wine Company. Andy thought of the new project as the culmination of his lifes career as a grape grower.
Oakville is granted AVA status, an appellation totaling 5,760 acres. The Pelissa's own approximately 235 Oakville acres.

1999
The Napa Wine Company brand is introduced in limited volume Sauvignon Blanc, Zinfandel and Cabernet Sauvignon.

8,260 acres in Yountville is granted AVA status. The Pelissa Family owns approximately 400 acres.

2007
When Nouveau Medoc Winery (which is now the Napa Wine Company) was established in 1877, it was the 9th bonded winery in Napa Valley. The Company connects with its past and launches Bonded Winery #9, a portfolio of two distinct brands of wine: Ghost Block and Elizabeth Rose.

2009
In March the portfolio as it exists today was officially launched with the addition of Oakville Winery.

2012
The Elizabeth Rose brand is launched with Napa Valley Chardonnay, Pinot Noir & Merlot, wines all produced from our Yountville vineyards.