Winemaker Gary and Proprietor Ellen Luchtel, husband and wife, followed their "hobby gone wild" and gave up life in The City (San Francisco) to purchase land in the Napa Valley where they could grow their own grapes to pursue their dreams of hand crafting outstanding wines. Their love of wines began in college where they first met, and grew as they explored the world of wines. Ellen recalls how Gary would bring her a mystery bottle (carefully wrapped so she couldn't see it) for her to sample and identify. As they developed their skills, first as home winemakers, then as a small bonded winery, to a joint commercial winemaking venture with Surh Luchtel (since retired) to finally planting their own vineyards and creating their signature brand-Fortunati, they have enthusiastically shared their passion for the wine life with the many wonderful friends they encounter. Today, Gary continues to meticulously oversee the vineyards and winemaking while Ellen manages the business operations, small staff and greets guests with the warm hospitality they are known for.

Truely an artisanal winery, the Luchtel's are very much hands-on and intimately involved with all aspects of their label. Nestled amongst their vines, they oversee each row from their home, and each vine as they walk their dogs. Ellen is often pouring wines for guests, and Gary may drop in to visit, too. Each bottle is a personal expression of their passion for fine wines, carefully tended and crafted with the utmost precision to display each varietal's characteristics. Whether the grapes are estate grown on the ten-acres of the Fortunati Vineyards Estate, or are sourced from a carefully selected grower, the diversity and range of wines Fortunati crafts is sure to provide something for everyone's enjoyment!

The award winning quality that begins in the vineyard is carried through the bottle and apparent in each glass, which is why Fortunati's handcrafted, ultra-premium wines are so desirable. Based upon the Luchtel's own wine experiences, they created a membership program that answers the important questions "What would I want to drink?" and "How would I want to get it?" Like you, they love to eat and drink well and would only offer their friends drink-worthy, delicious wines. After all, once you put your heart into making a great meal, the wine needs to match the food in both taste and spirit!