Robert Biale Vineyards – NAPA GALA

ROBERT BIALE VINEYARDS

For over seventy years beginning in 1937 the Biale family has grown Zinfandel and a variety of produce on their farm located on the outskirts of the town of Napa. Most of the Zinfandel grapes were sold to Napa wineries but some grapes were reserved so Aldo could make homemade wine for family and relatives.

Aldo began discreetly selling his homemade wine to a few wine-loving Napans. Because his rural home phone was a “party line” frequented by nosy eavesdroppers, enterprising Aldo used a code name whereby his customers could order wine without the risk of revealing his secret operation. Thus “Black Chicken” was born – the nickname for a jug of homemade wine from young Aldo’s barrels hidden in the barn.

In 1991, Aldo and son Robert formed a partnership with childhood friend and wine salesman Dave Pramuk, and winemaker Al Perry. Bob had met Dave’s friend Al Perry while working together at a prominent Napa Valley winery. Together they produced and marketed a special Zinfandel from the old vineyard which they named “Aldo’s Vineyard.” With history, grapes, winemaking and sales in place the new winery, Robert Biale Vineyards, gained recognition and a cultish following by Zinfandel fanatics.

WWW.BIALE.COM

Robert Biale

Founder

Born and raised in Napa, Robert (Bob) Biale is the son and grandson of Napa Valley grape growers. Working the farm was an integral part of growing up, but after high school he left the ranch to explore other horizons. While studying engineering at San Diego State Bob served in the Navy Reserves as a Search & Rescue Air Crewman. Before graduating he served as a lay missionary for the Catholic Church in Papua New Guinea for three years.

Upon returning he finished his bachelor’s degree in Religious Studies/Social Justice at Dominican College of San Rafael and married his wife Wendy, a fellow Dominican Penguin. However, it wasn’t long before the family vineyards beckoned him to return. In addition, a temporary harvest job at Beringer in 1989 turned into a 10-year post in the cellar.

In 1991, Bob and his partners Dave Pramuk, Al Perry and father Aldo Biale launched Robert Biale Vineyards, where he continues as president and manager of vineyard operations and grower relations. Bob is also past president of Zinfandel Advocates and Producers, a past board member of the Napa County Farm Bureau, and is a current board member of the Historic Vineyard Society. He is an active member of St. Apollinaris Catholic Church and various local community organizations and charities.

With their kids Alex and Michela grown and living on their own, Bob and Wendy enjoy traveling and taking long walks, which helped them complete the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage in 2017.