Matthiasson

Jill and Steve Matthiasson’s journey into wine began humbly, when they made their first bottle together just a month after they started dating. What began as a backyard project has since grown into Matthiasson Family Wines, one of Napa Valley’s most respected family-run wineries. Founded in 2003, the estate reflects both of their backgrounds: Steve’s expertise in viticulture and sustainable farming, and Jill’s training in botany and ecology. Together, they built a winery on the principle that wine is grown, not made.

Their approach to farming is rooted in organics and regenerative practices, treating the vineyard as a living system. Seven of their nine sites are certified organic, with the remaining in transition. Practices such as cover cropping, minimal tilling, and careful water use prioritize soil health and biodiversity, ensuring resilient vines and fruit of exceptional purity. In the cellar, they practice restraint, allowing the wines to express their origin without distraction. The result is a portfolio that embodies elegance and clarity—moderate in alcohol, expressive of place, and consistently celebrated for its food-friendly balance. From Napa classics like Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon to distinctive plantings of Ribolla Gialla, Refosco, and Schioppettino, their wines showcase both refinement and a spirit of curiosity.

When the Matthiassons first introduced their leaner, more restrained wines, they were seen as unconventional in a Napa Valley dominated by power and ripeness. Over time, however, their vision has helped redefine what Napa can be. Today, their wines are acclaimed for their freshness and authenticity, earning praise from leading critics and major publications worldwide. Steve has twice been named “Winemaker of the Year” by Food & Wine Magazine and the San Francisco Chronicle, and Matthiasson Family Wines has been included in Wine & Spirits “Top 100 Wineries of the Year.” Their wines regularly appear on lists of the most influential and exciting wines from Napa Valley, cementing their place as a benchmark of balance and integrity.

Beyond accolades, Jill and Steve have become voices for a new generation of Napa Valley—championing balance, authenticity, and responsibility to the land. They view restraint as a virtue, believing that the less they impose, the more the vineyard reveals. For them, wine is not about excess but about harmony; not about fashion but about connection. It is meant for the table, to elevate food, foster conversation, and bring people together.

From a modest experiment in their backyard to international recognition, Matthiasson Family Wines stands today as one of Napa’s most admired estates. Jill and Steve’s story is one of conviction and humility, and their wines are a reflection of that ethos—authentic, balanced, and consistently recognized among the best in the world.