#IBuiltThis: In Napa Valley, Mexican Winemakers Turn American Dream Into Reality

The American dream. For the Gallegos family, the first immigrant winemakers in Napa Valley, it’s not just a hokey idea. It’s reality.

Ignacio Gallegos Sr., the family patriarch, established the Gallegos legacy when he settled in California’s Napa Valley in the 1950’s and began farming some of the area’s most prestigious vineyards; his son Ignacio II and grandsons Eric and Ignacio III advanced that legacy when they launched their vineyard management company in 2008.

Today, the Gallegos family not only manages multiple vineyards, it produces five of its limited-production wines. 

We talked to Igancio II and his sons Eric and Ignacio III about that American dream and the unique qualities that made both their wines and their family successful. Here’s what they had to say. [pagebreak]

The Latin Kitchen: Tell us a little about Gallegos Vineyard Management, the company you founded in 2008.

Ignacio II: The company started from an idea that my two sons had, “If we’re working in the fields for winery, why not fully manage their harvest?” 

Ignacio III: We started the company with the focus to demonstrate our passion for the land in Napa. From farming to harvest, the company manages vineyards for some of the most exclusive and popular wines produced in Napa. 

TLK: How has Napa changed in the time since your family started farming vineyards there in the 1950’s?  

Ignacio II: The industry is much more competitive. In the early years, wine makers were putting grapes in a bottle. 

Eric: I think there’s a greater amount of chemistry, technology and product innovation. 

Ignacio III: Napa is no longer a small farming town and we’re seeing second and third generation wine makers really shaping the industry. I’m proud that my brother Eric and I are part of this new community. [pagebreak]

TLK: You pride yourself on your farming practices, from pruning to harvesting select fruits to bottling. What practices make your wines unique?

Eric: We treat the vineyards with special care and pay special attention to each vine. 

Ignacio III: It’s easy to harvest the grapes. It’s entirely different to constantly touch, monitor, and handle them with care. 

Ignacio II: The Gallegos family is deeply rooted in Napa’s soil and pays close attention to climate and location of the grapes. It’s how we ensure we’re delivering the very best product.

TLK: Eric, In addition to viticulture and enology, you’re a licensed pest control adviser. How does this knowledge and experience inform your farming practices? Do you use organic pest control techniques?

Gallegos is focused on sustainable farming and we practice organic techniques. I’m constantly exploring best practices and monitoring industry trends. In fact, we proactively care for the vineyards, rather than mass spraying once our twice a year. 

TLK: Is there a knowledge you have that maybe other farmers don’t because you grew up working alongside your family in the vineyards?

Eric: We know the land and we’re always learning from others in the industry. 

Ignacio II: My sons work along side of some of the best wine makers in the country. One important aspect is to build strong relationships in Napa because it’s a small and influential community. [pagebreak]

TLK: It’s often said that immigrants and their children have unparalleled work ethics. Do you agree? Did this have anything to do with your drive to succeed?

Ignacio III: I am biased and I agree. Work is what we do.  

Ignacio II: Eric and Nacho were playing in the fields when they were kids and saw me, their grandfather, and their uncles working hard. We set the example and that instilled a work ethic that has grown the family business. 

Eric: The work set in motion the opportunity for us to dream even bigger. It’s why, for example, we now offer five of our own labels. 

TLK: What are your thoughts on the American dream? Does it exist?

Eric: All dreams can be become a reality with hard work and focus on making sure you give back to help others. 

Ignacio III: The Gallegos family arrived as field workers, then became entrepreneurs, and are now award winning wine markers. I guess it’s true what they say: “Only in America.”