Tom Rinaldi, a prominent Napa Valley winemaker credited with elevating merlot’s profile in American wine, died this week. He was 75. Rinaldi’s career began in the early 1970s and spanned five decades, during which he played a leading role at Duckhorn Vineyards, among other California wineries.
Rinaldi's approach helped merlot become a fixture on wine lists from San Francisco to Manhattan. By the mid-1990s, bottles bearing his influence appeared at New York establishments such as Gotham Bar & Grill and The River Café. Sommeliers in Manhattan recall introducing diners to his approachable, food-friendly style.
In the past decade, New York restaurants continued to source Napa merlot, even as tastes shifted toward other varietals. Rinaldi’s work set a template for California winemakers seeking recognition in a crowded market. His colleagues noted his skill at balancing tradition with commercial appeal.
News of Rinaldi’s death reached the city’s wine community on Tuesday. Several wine directors, including those at Tribeca Grill and Le Bernardin, described his passing as the end of an era. Retailers in Chelsea and the Upper West Side reported a renewed interest in Napa merlots by Wednesday morning.
A memorial is expected in California later this season. Rinaldi is survived by his family and a generation of winemakers he mentored.