Erik Ayala grew up riding horseback through the Cabernet vineyards in Napa County with his grandfather, Juan Roldan. After spending his first harvest in 2006 hand-picking and fermenting wine as a family project, he knew he wanted to follow in the footsteps of his father and grandfather. Erik has honed his winemaking skills at Far Niente and Pride Mountain Vineyards and recently launched 1467 Cellars with the Roldan family. Here’s his story.
Your grandfather, Juan Roldan, grew up in Tlaxcula, Mexico, and came to the US in the 1950s under the Bracero Program (legislation that facilitated agricultural work permits in the US). He journeyed to St. Helena in Napa County. Can you tell us more about your grandfather and what motivated him to come to the United States and what happened once he arrived?
Juan Roldan was driven by a vision of a better life for his family. Growing up in Acopinalco del Peñon, a small town in Tlaxcala, Mexico, he witnessed the limited opportunities available in his homeland. When the Bracero Program extended opportunities for agricultural work in the U.S. in the 1950s, he saw it as a chance to fulfill his dreams and provide for his loved ones.
Once Juan arrived in California, he dedicated himself to the work. He labored across California’s farms and vineyards, especially in the vineyards of St. Helena, where he formed a deep bond with the land. The hard work was challenging, but it also ignited a passion for viticulture and a dream of one day working with grapes in a meaningful and lasting way. This dedication, along with his hands-on experience, was not only instrumental in sustaining his family but also in laying the groundwork for a family legacy
Your father, Ruben Ayala, is also a noted professional in the wine industry. What is his role? We understand he is also an awesome chef!
After arriving in the United States at just 15, my father, Ruben Ayala, worked tirelessly to build a brighter future for our family. His journey is defined by an unwavering dedication to family and a relentless work ethic—he’s one of the hardest workers I know. He started as a cook at Mustard’s Grill, quickly becoming known for his kitchen talent. But his passion eventually led him to the wine industry, joining Hans Kornell Cellars and later becoming a vital part of Pride Mountain Vineyards’ cellar team in 1998. Since 2000, he has been an irreplaceable member of their crew, while ensuring we had every opportunity to pursue our dreams. His commitment to both his work and family has been truly inspiring.
My mom and dad cherish cooking together for our family, especially during the holidays, which is incredibly meaningful to them. It becomes a lively family affair—everyone pitches in as sous chefs, adding their touches to the meal. One of my favorite dishes we prepare is Beef Wellington, and our celebrations also feature prime rib, ham, and plenty of laughter as our family of 45 gathers. It’s a beautiful tradition that brings us all together in the warmest way possible.
When did the passion for growing grapes and making wine first stir in your soul? As a third-generation wine guy, were you expected to follow in your family’s footsteps?
My passion for winemaking began in 2006 when we handpicked and fermented our first family vintage of Pinot Noir, initially, producing wine solely for family consumption. Working closely with my grandfather, parents, six aunts and uncles, ten cousins, and two siblings was a fantastic experience; we enjoyed the quality time together, with everyone contributing from grape picking to fermentation and bottling.
Encouraged to follow my passion, I dedicated myself to viticulture as I embarked on this journey. My grandfather, Juan Roldan, was a true cowboy in every sense. He had a ranch in the Coombsville AVA in Napa, where I spent my youth riding horses through the Cabernet vineyards. The process of grape formation and ripening always fascinated me, deepening my love for the craft.
Your family history is highly intertwined with wine grapes, but was wine a part of family rituals while you were growing up? Or were beer or spirits preferred for family meals or special occasions? Is there one wine that stands out in your memory, ahead of all others, that you would try to recreate if given the same grapes to work with?
We started producing our own family wine for birthdays, weddings, and holidays. Together we harvested the grapes, created the blends, processed the wine, and bottled it. This family project brought together all age groups, starting as a hobby. However, with our family members varied experience in the industry from winemaking, viticulture, enology, marketing, and sales, combined with our deep love for the craft, we realized it had the potential to grow into something much greater.
Wine that stands out in your memory:
The wine that truly stands out in my memory is our very first vintage Pinot Noir. This bottle represents so much more than just wine—it’s a testament to the shared vision between my father and me. Crafting that first vintage was a culmination of years of dedication, learning, and passion, reflecting both our unique styles and family legacy. Every time I taste it, I’m reminded of the journey we embarked on together, and it holds a special place in my heart.
Your first winemaking job was with Far Niente, a formidable name in Napa Valley Chardonnay and Cabernet. What is the most important thing you learned while working there?
Yes, at Far Niente I had the opportunity to learn directly from some exceptional winemakers. The aromas of the grapes, the delicate structure of the wines, and the final product captivated me. Working alongside an incredibly knowledgeable team, who took me under their wing and encouraged me to ask questions and explore everything, boosted my confidence to pursue this passion further.
You currently work for two wineries, with responsibilities for viticulture and winemaking. Can you tell us about your roles at 1467 Cellars and Pride Mountain Winery?
I’ve worked at Pride Mountain Vineyards for ten years, where our small team is involved in every aspect of wine production. Under the guidance of Sally Johnson, a pillar in the wine community, I was encouraged and supported in my growth, starting with the agricultural side of winemaking and production to taking an active role in the blending processes. A highlight of my career was having two of my blends featured at the Napa Valley Wine Auction in 2017 and 2019. Pride has also supported my journey into viticulture by sending me to the UC Davis Continuing Education Program. With our small production, everyone at Pride plays a crucial role in the winemaking process, ensuring that it’s truly a team effort.
At 1467 Cellars, I serve as both the winemaker and viticulturist. When we launched our family label, I brought 15 years of experience in supporting the winemaking process. Leveraging my background in viticulture, I also oversee the vineyard practices at a close family friend’s vineyard in Oaknoll, where we source our Cabernet grapes. This allows me to manage our vineyard practices and pruning style on the 1996 Cabernet vineyard. This year was especially meaningful, as we handpicked the 2024 vintage together as a family.
When was 1467 Cellars established? Why did your family decide to launch its wine brand? How did you choose the name 1467 Cellars and who designed your label?
1467 Cellars was a name we chose together as a family, seeking something deeply meaningful to us. It pays tribute to the address where my grandfather, Juan Roldan, and my grandmother, Teresa Roldan, created a home that became the heart of our family. My grandmother’s home was always open to anyone who needed a place to stay, embodying the warmth and unity we all cherish. Starting a label was our way of honoring the legacy that our grandparents worked so hard to establish and giving us the chance to build a better future. We see each bottle as a way to welcome our customers into our family, sharing the warmth, dedication, and vision that has defined us for generations.
You joined the Petaluma Gap Winegrowers earlier this year; where are you sourcing your grapes from and when will we see your Gap wine available online? Is it Pinot Noir or Chardonnay or something else?
We are sourcing our Pinot Noir grapes from Calesa Vineyard in the Petaluma Gap, where we dedicate our efforts to producing high-quality wines. You can find our 2022 vintage available for purchase on our website, www.1467cellars.com.
Do you have a tasting room? Where can someone taste your wines?
While we don’t yet have a tasting room, we host monthly pop-up wine-tasting events in Napa. We invite everyone to join our waitlist to be informed about upcoming events and secure their spot!
We do have our wines available at a few restaurants. Los Agaves, Vin en Noir, and Celadon all in downtown Napa. We are also on the wine list at Show de Carnes in Sausalito and Palo Alto.
Do you have any children and, if so, do you think they will also follow in your footsteps?
My two sons, 5 and 7 years old, have already begun their wine journeys. They love walking through the vineyard with me, exploring where our grapes are sourced. Curious and eager to taste the fruit from the vines, they enjoy sampling at every stage of ripening.
They also take the time to smell every wine we drink, and I believe it’s important to nurture their palates at a young age. Nothing would make me happier than seeing them one day take over my role as a Winemaker and carry on the legacy of 1467 Cellars. With 11 fourth-generation children in our family so far, we are excited to know this journey will continue for generations.
