United States · California

A. Rafanelli

A. Rafanelli Winery is one of Dry Creek Valley's most revered family estates, producing Zinfandel and Cabernet Sauvignon from organically farmed old vines since 1974. Founded by Americo Rafanelli, the estate is now managed by his grandson Dave alongside third-generation winemaker Stacy Rafanelli. The winery has maintained a direct-to-consumer, mailing-list-only model throughout its history—no retail distribution—which has created strong secondary market demand. The Cabernet Sauvignon is the dominant auction wine, averaging $131 across 57 lots with the 2007 vintage most traded, and reaching a maximum of $431. The Terrace Select Cabernet Sauvignon, a barrel selection, averages $73 across 23 lots. Zinfandel—historically the estate's signature variety—is also regularly traded, though the most recent auction data reflects Cabernet's prominence. Merlot rounds out the portfolio at $52 per lot. The estate farms 65 acres in the Dry Creek Valley, including parcels of old-vine Zinfandel averaging 60–80 years of age. With 175 total lots at an average of $109, Rafanelli provides consistent access to some of Dry Creek's finest terroir-expressive wines. Prices have stayed reasonable relative to quality, rewarding collectors who buy on release or early in the secondary market.