This tiny family winery specializes in Napa Valley Sangiovese. Like good Chianti, the wine’s about gentle expression and food-friendly subtlety rather than trying to be as “loud” as it can possibly be. Smell and taste wild red cherries and red currants and fresh soil, anise, roast coffee beans, and more. 100% Sangiovese, their own clone. Only 200 cases produced.

Villa Ragazzi is a very small winery owned by the Rodeno family. Honoring their Italian heritage, they planted the first Sangiovese grapes in Napa Valley more than 30 years ago. Although well known in its native Italy, where it is labeled Chianti Classico or Brunello di Montalcino, Sangiovese was rare in California in 1985. It remains rare, representing today less than ¼ of 1% of Napa Valley’s planted acreage.

In spite of Napa Valley’s international renown for Cabernet Sauvignon, most who have tried to produce world-class Sangiovese have found it a challenging grape to grow, and a difficult wine to make successfully. The Rodeno family is among the few to produce a top quality Sangiovese, perhaps because of their unique clone and the suitability of their green certified vineyard’s location.

Numerous wine journalists have affirmed that the Villa Ragazzi Sangiovese is probably the best they’ve ever tasted from Napa Valley (some go as far as to say the best of the United States!).

Villa Ragazzi's 2012 Sangiovese was served at the Obama family's final White House state dinner in 2016 in honor of a visit by Italian prime minister Matteo Renzi and his wife. Our Villa Ragazzi Sangiovese was one of three California wines selected by the tasting panel to serve with guest chef Mario Batali's menu. 

Villa Ragazzi's 2019 Sangiovese was served with the main course (Bracciole in a Barolo sauce) at the annual Governor's Dinner hosted by president Biden in February 2024.

The Rodeno family is honored, thrilled, and proud that Villa Ragazzi Sangiovese has been chosen to represent American wines at dinners at The White House.

"Perhaps the best Sangiovese in California - dark and intense with rich fruit, miles from the usual thin versions. Shows what the grape can do on a rocky hillside, given proper care."
Hugh Johnson, Guide To Wine. December. 2012

Sangiovese is a wine for people who enjoy good food. It has lively natural acidity that marries well with both rich and lighter dishes, and is particularly good with grilled fish, meats, mushrooms, and vegetables. Sangiovese will age in your cellar for years, thanks to its fine tannins and natural acidity. If you can’t wait, the Rodenos recommend aerating or decanting Villa Ragazzi Sangiovese for 20 minutes to allow its floral and dark cherry aromas to expand in your glass.