Story
Rooted in Place. Defined by Connection.
Rooted in Northern California, Kathy and Scott Dalecio founded Dalecio Family Wines with a vision to return to what matters most—family, connection, and a deep respect for place.
What began as a personal journey back to their origins has grown into a thoughtful pursuit: crafting wines that reflect both the character of exceptional vineyard sites and the shared moments that bring people together. From the rugged intensity of Diamond Mountain to the elegance of the Sonoma Coast and the heritage of their Rutherford estate, each wine is shaped by its origin and guided with intention.
Produced in extremely limited quantities and crafted in collaboration with renowned winemakers Philippe Melka & Maayan Koschitzky, each bottling reflects a commitment to precision, balance, and authenticity. The focus has always been clear—quality over quantity, nuance over scale, and a belief that great wines are defined as much by where they are grown as by how they are shared.
At its core, Dalecio Family Wines is about more than what is in the glass. It is about the experiences that surround it—the gatherings that linger, the stories that unfold, and the traditions carried forward.
Each bottle is an invitation not just to drink, but to connect, to celebrate, and to create something lasting.
“From the beginning, our goal was to work with exceptional vineyard sites and honor the character of each place with intention and care. At the same time, we set out to create something enduring—wines that not only reflect where they are grown, but also become part of the moments and traditions shared around them. If these wines bring people together and are enjoyed for years to come, then we’ve accomplished what we set out to do.”
Philippe Melka Winemaker
Philippe Melka is widely regarded as one of Napa Valley’s most accomplished and influential winemakers, known for his work with many of the region’s most celebrated estates.
Born and raised in Bordeaux, Philippe studied geology at the University of Bordeaux before beginning his career at Château Haut-Brion. His early training in both soil science and classical winemaking laid the foundation for a philosophy rooted in site expression and precision.
After moving to Napa Valley, Philippe established himself as a leading voice in modern winemaking, crafting wines that balance structure, depth, and a clear sense of place. Through his consulting practice, Atelier Melka, he has guided a portfolio of highly regarded wineries, with a focus on meticulous vineyard selection and restrained, thoughtful winemaking.
His approach is grounded in the belief that great wines begin in the vineyard—an ethos that is reflected in the sourcing, farming, and style of Dalecio Family Wines.
Maayan Koschitzky Director of Winemaking
Maayan Koschitzky, Director of Winemaking and Partner at Atelier Melka, represents the next generation of Napa Valley winemaking—combining technical expertise with a deep commitment to vineyard-driven wines.
Originally from Israel, Maayan began his career working in vineyards before pursuing formal studies in engineering and viticulture. His experience spans several of the world’s leading wine regions, including key roles at acclaimed Napa Valley estates such as Screaming Eagle and Dalla Valle Vineyards.
At Atelier Melka, Maayan works closely with Philippe Melka across a diverse portfolio of prestigious projects, bringing precision, energy, and a global perspective to his work. His winemaking is defined by attention to detail, balance, and a respect for both tradition and innovation.
In recognition of his impact, Maayan was named to Wine Enthusiast’s “40 Under 40 Tastemakers,” highlighting his role as an emerging leader in the industry.
Rich Smock Connector
Rich Smock brings a lifelong passion for hospitality and connection to Dalecio Family Wines—an approach shaped by experience, curiosity, and a deep appreciation for the people behind every bottle.
A Navy veteran originally from the East Coast, Rich discovered his path in wine while managing restaurants in Pennsylvania, where an early pursuit of formal study led him west to Napa Valley. There, he immersed himself in the culture of wine and hospitality, refining his craft at the Michelin-starred Terra in St. Helena before joining Outpost Estate Wines on Howell Mountain, where he rose to lead sales and hospitality.
He later served as General Manager at Kinsella Estates in Sonoma County, further deepening his experience across estate-driven wine programs and client relationships.
Rich’s approach to wine is grounded in connection—bringing people together through shared experiences, whether at the table, in the vineyard, or across the country. After spending a year traveling throughout the U.S. and Mexico hosting intimate wine dinners, he returned to Napa Valley with a renewed perspective on the role wine plays in bringing people together.
He now lives in Calistoga with his wife, Ilya, where they have made their home.
Riley Porter Operations Manager
A Napa Valley native, Riley Porter brings a deep understanding of the region and a thoughtful, detail-oriented approach to her role at Dalecio Family Wines.
After studying at Sonoma State University, Riley began her career at Hudson Ranch, where she gained hands-on experience across multiple facets of the wine business, including hospitality, wholesale, logistics, and wine club operations.
At Dalecio Family Wines, Riley oversees the day-to-day execution of the brand, managing customer experience, fulfillment, and operational logistics with precision and care. Her work ensures that every interaction—from allocation releases to final delivery—reflects the same level of intention and quality found in the wines themselves.
Love, ETC!
Dad, Grandad, John, Big John — these were the many names given to my father, John Futch, by those who knew him. My dad preferred life experiences to lavish gifts. He chose his words carefully, and was more apt to show affection for his grandkids with a trip to Fenton’s for ice cream sundaes than with flowery words. Whatever the correspondence — birthday or graduation cards, invoices for the long distance phone bills I racked up to my then boyfriend, now husband — he signed them all with “LOVE, ETC!” Any of his kids and grandkids will tell you that it was dad’s way of letting us know that family meant the world to him. As you open a bottle of our wine to share with your family and friends, we hope you hear my father’s voice and simple message coming through! — Kathy Dalecio
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