Maya Dalla Valle’s journey intertwines a lifelong passion for horses with a deepening commitment to winemaking. Introduced to horseback riding at six and competing in dressage by age ten, she initially resisted the family wine legacy, feeling rebellious against the industry her parents helped shape in Napa Valley. However, inspired by her mother’s encouragement to pursue fulfillment, she embraced winemaking after studying international relations and earning advanced degrees in viticulture from Cornell and Bordeaux. By 2017, she returned to lead the family winery, becoming winemaker in 2021.

Balancing both passions, Dalla Valle trains daily with her horse Jeronimo, viewing riding as a form of self-care that sharpens her focus. She applies this clarity to her role managing the winery team, emphasizing collaboration and technical precision essential to their success. Her story reflects a harmonious blend of artistry and discipline, honoring her family’s legacy while forging her own path in both equestrian sport and winemaking.