From childhood chores on his family's vineyard in Germany to crafting small lot wines in Napa Valley, Ralf Holdenried has an eclectic mix of winemaking experience that spans two continents. He studied winemaking and viticulture at Germany's prestigious University of Geisenheim and worked at several wineries in Reinhessen and Nahe, before studying fermentation science, viticulture, and enology at the University of California at Davis. He became fascinated with California's wine culture and has since relished the New World approach to crafting wine. With over 15 years of experience crafting award-winning wines in California, Ralf currently leads the winemaking team at Black Stallion Estate Winery. “The energy at the winery is contagious,” he says, “From the cellar to the tasting room, everyone in the Black Stallion family carries such a sense of pride
for our wines, and I am reminded daily of how fulfilling it is to be a part of such a focused and talented team.”
When not out in the vineyards or blending wines, Ralf enjoys spending time with his family, soccer, skiing, cooking and nature.